If you have been disqualified from driving, you may wish to consider an extraordinary driving licence (EDL) to allow you to drive again.
This post aims to help you understand the application process and the extraordinary licence WA waiting period.
Read on to find out if you are eligible to apply for an extraordinary licence in WA and what steps you need to take to get one.
What Is an Extraordinary Licence in WA and Who Can Apply?
An extraordinary licence allows a person who has been disqualified in a court in Western Australia to drive again in special circumstances.
It’s valid for the period of your disqualification and must be renewed every 12 months.
You might need one if you have a family member who relies on you to get to urgent medical appointments. Or driving might be your main source of income — for example, if you are a taxi or delivery driver. You may even live in a location that is not served by public transport and need to drive to get to work.
You will need to give an approved reason to apply for an extraordinary licence in WA. It will only be granted if you show that if you can’t drive:
- You or a member of your family won’t be able to get urgent medical treatment for an existing illness or disability.
- Your main income will be removed and you and your family will experience financial difficulty.
- You or a member of your family won’t have a means of transport to get to or from work.
Other extraordinary licence for WA rules on eligibility include:
- Your suspension from driving must be imposed by a court.
- This means you can’t apply if you have received a roadside disqualification from the police or have been given a demerit point suspension, for example.
- The minimum disqualification period must have passed. This period varies according to the offence you have been suspended for, but it is typically 21 days.
How to Apply for an Extraordinary Licence in WA: Step-by-Step Guide
- Download the Form 5 – Application for Extraordinary Licence. You can find this on the Magistrates Court of Western Australia website.
- Seek legal help. If you need assistance with your application, reach out to a qualified and experienced lawyer who can guide you through the process.
- Complete the application form with the help of your lawyer. Take special care around the ‘Grounds for this application’ section, where you explain why it’s important for you to be able to drive again.
- Get your supporting documents — for example, medical records or an employer letter, together.
- Submit your application to your local magistrates court using the eCourts portal and pay the fees.
- Prepare for the court hearing. Once your application form has been processed, the court will set a hearing date. Working with your lawyer, you can prepare to explain to the court why you need an extraordinary licence and collect any documents you need.
- Go to the court hearing.
- If the court makes an order to grant you an EDL, you will then need to go to a branch of the Department of Transport, pay a fee and give proof of ID. Once you have fulfilled these and any other requirements, the Department of Transport will give you the licence and you can drive again.
Understanding the Waiting Period for an Extraordinary Licence in WA
As well as the initial waiting period of 21 days, you will need to wait at least 14 days between submitting your application and getting a date for your court hearing.
If the court grants the EDL, you will then need to visit a branch of the Department of Transport as described above.
This means that the whole process, from being disqualified to driving again, could take at least six to eight weeks.
Rules and Requirements for Obtaining an Extraordinary Licence in WA
Your EDL is not a full licence and will come with restrictions. You will only be able to drive for the purpose set out in your application. For example, if you need to drive as part of your job, you won’t then be able to pick your children up from school.
Other restrictions may include:
- The days and times you are allowed to drive
- The roads and areas where you can and can’t drive (usually within a certain radius of your local court)
- The vehicle you are allowed to drive
How to Write an Employer Letter for an Extraordinary Licence Application
When applying for an extraordinary licence, a letter from your employer in WA can provide valuable support. They should include the following key points:
- The name of their company and their job title
- The nature of their business
- Your job title and a description of your role
- How long you have been employed at your workplace
- A description of what could happen to your job if you are not granted an EDL
What to Expect After Submitting Your Application for an Extraordinary Licence in WA
If the court order says you must comply with certain conditions to get your EDL, the Department of Transport will need to see proof that you have fulfilled these. For example, you may be required to sit your driving test again or fit an alcohol interlock device in your vehicle.
If the court refuses your application for an EDL, you can’t apply again for six months.
Reach Out to Your Trusted Local Lawyers
Being disqualified from driving can severely impact several areas of your everyday life. Obtaining an EDL can help minimise these effects and enable you to carry out essential activities such as continuing to work and helping a loved one get to medical appointments.
If you need legal advice and other information on getting an EDL or assistance with your application in Western Australia, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lotus Legal. We’re your trusted local lawyers, here to help you navigate through the application process. Contact us to know more about how we could help you get back behind the wheel.