Licence suspensions can be appealed at local court, as long the appeal is lodged within 28 days of being issued the suspension notice. You must not drive whilst you have a suspension notice unless you have permission from the court.
The Local Court may hear and determine the appeal and may vary or revoke the suspension. In determining such an appeal, the Local Court is not to vary or set aside such a suspension unless it is satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances justifying a lifting or variation of the suspension. The court is not, for the purposes of any such appeal, to take into account the circumstances of the offence with which the driver is charged.
The local court will determine the outcome of the appeal and may vary or revoke the suspension. The local court can only vary or set aside a suspension if it is satisfied there are exceptional circumstances justifying changing a suspension.
If a court disqualifies you from driving, your licence will be automatically cancelled. Disqualification means you cannot drive a vehicle at all until the period of disqualification or cancellation has expired and a licence is reissued. Remember there are heavy penalties for driving while disqualified or cancelled, including gaol terms. It is not worth the risk.
Multiple disqualifications for unauthorised driving offences will be able to run concurrently, unless otherwise ordered by the court.
Drivers who have long disqualification periods may be able to apply for their disqualification periods to be lifted by the court. We can assist you in this regard.
Contact us for more information.
