Supporting Documents for a Limited Licence Application

A limited licence application requires more than just filling in a form. The court needs supporting evidence to assess your hardship, verify your circumstances, and define appropriate conditions. Here is a complete guide to the documents you may need.

Core documents (required)

1. Application form

The limited licence application form filed with the District Court. This includes:

• Your personal details and licence number
• The nature of your disqualification or suspension
• The hardship grounds you are relying on
• The conditions you are requesting (days, times, area, purpose)

2. Supporting affidavit

A sworn affidavit setting out your hardship in detail. This is the most important document. It should:

• Describe your personal circumstances
• Explain the specific hardship the disqualification is causing
• Detail why driving is essential and what alternatives you have explored
• Set out the conditions you are requesting and why they are reasonable

3. Evidence of hardship

Depending on your hardship type:

Supporting evidence (recommended)

4. Transport alternatives research

Evidence showing that public transport or other alternatives are not available or practical:

• Bus or train timetables for your area
• Screenshots showing no public transport routes between home and work
• Distances involved (if rural, showing the impracticality of cycling or walking)
• Quotes from taxi or ride-share services showing the cost is prohibitive

5. Boundary map

A map showing:

• Your home address
• Your workplace(s)
• The route between them
• Any other locations you need to drive to (medical facilities, school, etc.)
• The proposed boundary area for the limited licence conditions

This helps the court define the geographical restriction on your limited licence.

6. Employment contract or job description

If relying on employment hardship, the employment contract or a position description showing that driving is part of the role's requirements.

7. Financial evidence

Where relevant:

• Pay slips (showing income at risk)
• Tax returns or financial statements (for self-employed applicants)
• Bank statements showing business activity
• Evidence of financial dependants

8. Medical certificates

If claiming medical hardship:

• A letter from your specialist or GP setting out the condition and treatment needs
• Appointment schedule showing frequency and location of treatment
• Confirmation that treatment cannot be obtained closer to home or via alternative transport

9. Character references

While not strictly required, references from community members, employers, or colleagues can demonstrate:

• Your general character and reliability
• Your remorse and insight into the offence
• Your commitment to complying with limited licence conditions

Document preparation tips

• Affidavits must be sworn — signed in front of a lawyer, Justice of the Peace, or other authorised person. Every deponent (person who swears an affidavit) should expect to attend the hearing unless the police agree beforehand that their attendance is not required
• Employer affidavits must be sworn before an authorised person (lawyer, JP, or court registrar)
• Financial records should be recent (within the last 12 months)
• Medical certificates should be from a registered practitioner
• Maps should be clear and show the proposed boundary area distinctly
• All evidence should be originals or certified copies where possible

What to avoid

• Generic or template letters that do not address your specific circumstances
• Unsigned documents — everything should be signed and dated
• Outdated evidence — old employment contracts or expired medical certificates
• Inconsistencies — ensure all documents tell the same story (same employer name, same job description, same hours)
• Excessive volume — quality over quantity. Focused, relevant evidence is more persuasive than a thick bundle of marginally relevant documents.