Extraordinary Licences

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What is an Extraordinary License?

In Western Australia, an extraordinary driver’s license, also known as an ‘e-license’, ‘EDL’ or ‘EMDL’, is a license that authorises a person who is otherwise disqualified from driving in certain circumstances. An extraordinary license is granted at the discretion of a magistrate and can only be granted for court-imposed disqualifications. You cannot apply for an extraordinary license if you are subject to a demerit point suspension.

Application Process for an E-License in WA

To apply for an extraordinary licence in WA, the applicant must lodge the application form and pay a fee to the Magistrates Court. The fee is approximately $150 and is payable at the Court registry when the application is lodged. The application form can be found on the Magistrates Court’s website.

Once your application has been accepted by the court, you will be given a date to attend court and appear before a magistrate.

There will be a representative for the Director General of Transport who may argue against you being granted an extraordinary driver’s license. Usually, you will be required to answer questions under oath from both the magistrate and the director-general’s representative.

You will be expected to provide evidence in support of your application. It is not sufficient to simply re-state the grounds outlined in your written application. For example, if the basis for your application is that you will be unable to access urgent medical treatment that relates to a current medical condition, you would be expected to provide:

Evidence of that medical condition
Evidence of the treatment to which you require access
Evidence demonstrating that alternative means of transport will not allow you appropriate access to your treatment

Waiting Periods

There are minimum waiting periods that apply before you can lodge your application. The waiting periods vary according to the offence that resulted in you being disqualified. The waiting period is usually 21 days, but it can be up to 3 months for some offences. In addition to the legislated waiting period, there is usually a 14-day minimum between lodging your application and appearing in court.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

You do not need a lawyer to apply for an extraordinary driver’s license. However, there are several advantages of engaging a lawyer in an application for an extraordinary license. An experienced lawyer will be able to draft your written application and ensure that it addresses the relevant criteria that the magistrate is required to consider. They will also be able to advise you on what sort of evidence you need in support of your application.

Most importantly, an experienced lawyer will be able to represent you at your court appearance. Having a legal representative by your side who is familiar with the courtroom environment can alleviate much of the stress and anxiety and allow the process to run smoothly.

Many people have successfully obtained an extraordinary license without legal representation. It is also true that engaging a lawyer is not a guarantee that you will be granted an extraordinary license. However, an experienced lawyer should be able to strengthen your application to give it the best possible chance of succeeding.

Paxman & Paxman are a firm of criminal defence lawyers in the Perth CBD specialising in criminal law, traffic law, and restraining orders. If you need a lawyer to assist with obtaining an e-license in WA, call us on 1300 274 692 or fill out an online enquiry form today. One of our experienced lawyers will gladly assist you through the entire process.

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