Special Hardship Order (SHO) – Stay on the Road After Licence Suspension

What Is a Special Hardship Order in Queensland?

A Special Hardship Order (SHO) is a type of restricted licence that allows you to keep driving for essential work or personal reasons despite a suspension of your licence due to accumulating excess demerit points or a high-speed driving offence.

Queensland courts grant Special Hardship Orders under section 105 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995. These orders strictly limit when and how you can drive but can make a significant difference by allowing you to maintain your employment and family commitments.

Our experienced Gold Coast lawyers regularly prepare SHO applications, helping drivers maintain their independence and livelihood.

Who Is Eligible for a Special Hardship Order?

You may qualify for a Special Hardship Order if:

• Your licence is suspended due to exceeding demerit points or a high-speed offence.
• You held a valid Queensland provisional or open licence at the time of suspension.
• You have not had a licence suspension or disqualification in the past five years.
• Losing your licence would cause severe financial or personal hardship (such as losing employment or significant family difficulty).

If you're uncertain about eligibility, our lawyers can quickly clarify your position and assess your chance of successfully obtaining an SHO.

How to Apply for a Special Hardship Order

Applying for a Special Hardship Order involves several critical steps:

Step 1: Gather Required Documentation

You'll need:

• A personal affidavit detailing your circumstances, financial hardship, and need for driving.
• If applicable, a supporting affidavit from your employer confirming that driving is crucial to your job.
• Financial documents supporting your hardship claims.

Step 2: Filing the Application

Submit your SHO application to your local Magistrates Court within 21 days from the start of your suspension.

Step 3: Court Appearance

Your case will be heard before a magistrate, who'll determine whether you receive an SHO. Strong legal representation greatly improves your chances of success.

Conditions Attached to a Special Hardship Order

If your SHO is granted, the magistrate will typically impose conditions limiting:

• The purposes for which you can drive (usually employment or essential personal circumstances only).
• Specific driving hours and geographical routes.
• Compliance with zero alcohol tolerance while driving.

Violating any condition can result in severe penalties, including cancellation of your SHO and extended disqualification periods.

How Our Lawyers Help Your SHO Application

Applying for an SHO can be daunting. Our experienced team on the Gold Coast will:

• Confirm your eligibility clearly.
• Draft compelling affidavits demonstrating your hardship.
• Ensure all court documentation is accurate and persuasive.
• Provide expert advocacy in court to maximise your application's success.

We represent clients across all Southport, Coolangatta and South-East Queensland courts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Choose Gold Coast Drink Driving Lawyers?

When facing licence suspension, choosing the right legal help matters:

• ✅ Proven record securing successful SHO outcomes.
• ✅ Expert advice, straightforward language.
• ✅ Fixed-fee, no surprises pricing.
• ✅ Full assistance with all documentation.
• ✅ Experienced court representation on the Gold Coast.

We know local magistrates' expectations and how to convincingly present your hardship circumstances.

Get a Free Special Hardship Order Assessment

Don't risk losing your ability to drive without exploring your options.