What is a Special Hardship Order?

A Special Hardship Order (SHO) allows a person to continue driving under specific, restricted conditions despite their licence being suspended.

When Can You Apply?

You can only apply if your licence is suspended because:

• You accumulated two or more demerit points while serving a 12-month Good Driving Behaviour period.
• You committed a high-speed offence (driving more than 40 km/h over the speed limit).

Time Limits

You must apply to the Magistrates Court within 21 days of the suspension taking effect.

The Test

The Magistrate must be satisfied that losing your licence will cause extreme hardship (to you or your family) and that you are an otherwise fit and proper person to drive. Because the process requires detailed affidavits, seeking legal representation is highly recommended.