Special Hardship Order Application

Do you need a drivers licence for work?

In Queensland, you may be eligible to apply for a Special Hardship Order Licence (SHO) – or what is better known as a Work Licence.

A Special Hardship Order (SHO) will permit you to drive with certain conditions that relate to your specific job. You will only be permitted to drive in a certain class of vehicles, for specific reasons, between certain times, and you must carry a copy of the order with you at all times whilst driving.

To make a Special Hardship Order application, you will need to attend to the following tasks:

1. File the application in court;
2. File your completed affidavit;
3. File your employer’s affidavit (if you are not self-employed); and,
4. Serve a copy of the above material on Queensland Transport.

At the hearing of your Special Hardship Order application, you must also be able to demonstrate to the court:

• That you are a fit and proper person to be the holder of a licence; AND
• That a refusal to grant the order will cause either extreme financial hardship or severe and unusual hardship.

These Special Hardship Order applications can be tricky. If you make a mistake, your application could be refused.

The Road and Traffic Education Program can assist you in satisfying the court that you are a fit and proper person. The course is conducted online and takes approximately 5 hours to complete. The course provides a platform that changes the attitude and behaviour of drivers who commit offences on our roads by delivering a series of confronting lectures from qualified and experienced professionals.

Importantly for your Special Hardship Order application, by completing the program you can demonstrate to the court that you are taking responsibility for your actions and have learned from your mistakes- making you a fit and proper person to be the holder of a licence.