Curt Hofmann & Co
Perth Criminal & Traffic Lawyers

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What is an Extraordinary Driver's Licence (EDL) and how do I get one?

An Extraordinary Driver’s Licence (EDL) is a special licence that you can apply for if a Court has disqualified you from driving.

You CANNOT apply for an EDL if:

  • you are under a Roadside Disqualification Notice from the police;

  • you have a Licence Suspension Order for unpaid fines or infringements;

  • your licence is disqualified because of excessive demerit points (including breaching Double or Nothing), or

  • your licence is disqualified in another State.

You CAN apply for an EDL if you meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • you or a family member will be unable to get urgent medical treatment for an existing illness, disease or disability;

  • it will take away the main source of earning money and cause an undue financial burden on you or your family; or

  • you or someone in your family has no other practicable means of transport for getting to and from work.

The process for applying for an EDL is as follows:

1.       A plea of guilty is entered in Court or you are found guilty following trial in relation to your traffic offence;

2.       As a result, you are convicted and are sentenced to a licence disqualification;

3.       From the date of your conviction, you must complete a waiting period before applying for an EDL.  This waiting period will vary depending on the type of offence you committed.  It is therefore important to check with the Court Registry or your lawyer to find out exactly how long you have to wait.

4.       Once the waiting period is over, you can submit your application to your local Magistrates Court.  Your application should be accompanied by an ‘Affidavit in Support’ which should outline all the reasons why you need an EDL.

5.       You will need to pay a lodgement fee of $255 at the Court.

6.       The Court Registry will then offer you available dates for your hearing.  Hearings are generally listed 2-3 weeks after the date of lodgement.  

7.       At your hearing, you will be asked to give evidence and go through your Affidavit with the Magistrate.  You will also be asked questions by a prosecutor of the Department of Transport (DOT).

8.       At the conclusion of the hearing, the Magistrate will tell you if your application has been granted or refused.

9.       If your application is granted, you will be issued with a list of conditions that you must follow.  If you breach any of these conditions, you may be charged with breaching and receive a further conviction on your record.  Your EDL may also be revoked.

10.   Before you start driving you need to attend your local DOT Licensing Centre to collect your licence and any other items necessary to comply with the conditions.

11.   If your application is refused, you will not be allowed to re-apply for a further EDL for six months.

The EDL application process can be lengthy and daunting for many.  We therefore recommend you contact our office for assistance. We can help you throughout the entire process.

By Miranda Millward

Angela Babbington