Limited licences can be obtained
If you’ve been disqualified or suspended from driving, you may be able to apply for a limited licence which allows you to drive in limited situations, times, or areas. Also known as a ‘work licence’, a limited licence might be granted if your disqualification or suspension would cause extreme or undue hardship to you or another person. For example if you have a business as an owner/driver, or if you have a disabled relative who is unable to go to hospital appointments without you to drive them. You can apply for a limited licence if:
• you have been disqualified by court order for reasons other than repeat alcohol/drug offences or driving while disqualified or
• your licence has been suspended due to the total number of demerit points you’ve accumulated.
There are two steps to applying for a limited licence:
1. Apply for a court order authorising you to obtain a limited licence.
The application for a limited licence can be a complex procedure. You don’t need a lawyer to apply for a limited licence, but having a lawyer help you get together the required documents and present them to court, can make the process much easier for you. If the court order is granted, you can proceed to the next step.
2. Apply for a limited licence at any NZTA driver licensing agent. You will need to:
• complete an application form,
• pay the limited licence application fee (around $40), and
• provide some proof of your identity and address.
If the NZTA approves your application, they will issue you with a temporary limited licence to use while your photographic limited licence is processed and posted to you. You will need to have both the limited licence and the court order with you whenever you drive. If you receive a further disqualification while you hold a limited licence, the limited licence will be revoked.
Visit www.nzta.govt.nz or ring 0800 822 422 for more information.
■ For free and confidential advice and information on this or any other matter visit the Palmerston North Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) in Hancock Community House, 77 King St. Opening hours, Mon-Fri from 9 am-4.30pm, call 357 0647 or 0800 367 222. We have a free legal advice service by qualified lawyers most Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm commencing Jan 17 2019, and a JP is available on Tuesdays from noon — 2.30pm. No appointment is necessary for either of these services.