Filing a limited licence application involves preparing the right documents, lodging them with the correct District Court, and serving a copy on the police prosecutor. Getting the process right the first time avoids delays and adjournments. Here is how it works, step by step.
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Before preparing any documents, confirm that no statutory bars prevent your application:
- Check for the interlock bar (s103(2)(e)) — does your offence trigger the mandatory interlock sentence?
- Check for the repeat offence bar (s103(2)(d)) — do you have two qualifying offences within 5 years?
- Check for other bars — indefinite disqualification, driving while disqualified, interlock/zero alcohol licence holder
- If a 28-day stand-down applies, calculate the earliest hearing date
Our eligibility quiz can help you check these requirements in 60 seconds.
Step 2: Gather your evidence
Prepare all supporting documents before filing:
- Your affidavit — the sworn statement setting out your hardship
- Sworn employer affidavit — if relying on employment hardship
- Financial records — if self-employed
- Transport alternatives — evidence of limited public transport options
- Boundary map — showing your proposed driving area
- Medical certificates — if relying on medical hardship
- Any other supporting evidence — character references, dependant information
See our supporting documents guide for a complete checklist.
Step 3: Complete the application form
The limited licence application form requires:
- Your personal details (full name, date of birth, address, licence number)
- Details of the disqualification or suspension (date, court, offence)
- The hardship grounds you are relying on
- The proposed conditions (days, times, area, purpose)
- A list of supporting documents attached
Step 4: Lodge with the District Court
File the application at the relevant District Court:
- For conviction disqualifications — the court that imposed the disqualification, or your local District Court
- For demerit suspensions — your local District Court
- Filing method — in person at the court registry, by post, or (at some courts) by email
When filing, you will need to:
- Pay the court filing fee
- Provide the original application and supporting documents
- Receive a stamped copy and hearing date (or a date will be advised)
Step 5: Serve the police prosecutor
After filing, you must serve a copy of the entire application (including all supporting documents) on the police prosecutor. This is a mandatory step — the court will not hear your application if the prosecutor has not been served.
See our service requirements guide for details on how and when to serve.
Step 6: Attend the hearing
On the hearing date:
- Appear at the court at the scheduled time
- Bring your original documents
- Be prepared to answer questions from the judge about your circumstances
- If the police prosecutor opposes, you may need to address their concerns
See our court hearing guide for what to expect.
Timeline overview
| Stage | Typical timeframe |
|---|---|
| Document preparation | 1–5 days |
| Filing with the court | Same day |
| Service on prosecutor | Within 1–3 days of filing |
| Stand-down period (if applicable) | 28 days from disqualification |
| Court hearing | 2–4 weeks after filing |
| Limited licence issued | Same day if granted |
For demerit point suspensions (no stand-down), the entire process from filing to hearing can take as little as 2–3 weeks.
Why getting it right first time matters
A well-prepared application can be the difference between a quick resolution and weeks of delay. If the application is complete, the evidence is thorough, and the proposed conditions are reasonable, the judge may be able to consider it on papers — without a hearing at all. If the application is incomplete or poorly drafted, the court will adjourn for further evidence, the prosecutor is more likely to oppose, and you lose weeks you cannot afford.
Every day without a licence is a day you cannot work, a day your employer's patience wears thinner, and a day closer to the consequences you are trying to avoid. Getting the application right first time — with properly sworn affidavits, comprehensive evidence, and well-defined conditions — protects your livelihood and minimises the time between filing and getting back on the road.
Tips for a smooth filing
- File as early as possible — do not wait until the last minute to prepare your documents
- Check the court's requirements — some courts have specific filing procedures or schedules
- Keep copies of everything — retain a complete copy of all filed documents
- Confirm the hearing date — ensure you know exactly when and where to appear
- Serve promptly — the prosecutor needs time to review before the hearing