What You Need to Know
Losing your licence can seriously affect your life. For professional drivers, the impact is even greater.
Your licence is your job, your income, and your future. When it is suspended, work stops, bills accrue and stress increases.
But there is hope. You can appeal your licence suspension in court.
A successful appeal may reduce the suspension or even remove it completely.
That means getting back to work faster and back on the road where you belong.
At Highway Advocates, we help drivers across NSW, QLD, VIC, and ACT.
We specialise in all types of licence appeals.
Our goal is simple: to keep you on the road where you belong.
We know the laws and the Courts, and we use our experience to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Why Drivers Lose Their Licence
Drivers lose their licence for many reasons. Each reason has its own rules and appeal process. Common causes include:
- Too many demerit points
Reaching your limit in a set period. - Serious traffic offences
Such as dangerous driving, DUI or negligent driving. - Fatigue breaches
Exceeding work hours or false or misleading work diary entries. - Unpaid fines
Unpaid penalty notices can trigger licence suspension. - Medical reasons
Conditions affecting safe driving.
Losing your licence can be stressful, but it does not have to be permanent.
Many drivers successfully appeal their suspensions and return to the road sooner than they expect.
Acting quickly and with the right legal support is crucial to improving your chances.
Appealing Demerit Points
Many traffic and heavy vehicle offences carry demerit points that can push you over your limit and lead to a licence suspension.
In many cases, we can challenge demerit points in Court.
Highway Advocates can help you:
- Review the offence and the number of demerit points applied
- Identify legal grounds to reduce or remove points
- Lodge an appeal to challenge the points formally
Appealing demerit points can prevent a suspension and protect your driving record.
Acting quickly is important — the earlier we review your case, the better the chance of success.
Our recent client success stories include:
- Speed more than 30km/hr over the limit – saved 5 demerit points
- Use mobile phone whilst driving – saved 5 demerit points
- Travel too close to long vehicle in front in avg speed zone x 2 – saved 8 demerit points
- Go through red light camera detected – saved 3 demerit points
- Not keep left of dividing lane x 3 – saved 12 demerit points
- Drive unregistered heavy vehicle – saved 4 demerit points
- Passenger not wear seatbelt – saved 3 demerit points
What Is a Licence Appeal?
A licence appeal allows you to challenge a suspension or cancellation decision.
Appeals are usually heard in the Local Court or Magistrates Court. The process gives you the opportunity to explain your circumstances and seek a fair outcome.
The Court considers:
- Your driving history
- The reason for the suspension
- How the suspension affects your work and family
- Whether you are a fit and proper to hold a licence
Highway Advocates prepares strong, clear appeals.
We explain your situation thoroughly and show why you should keep or regain your licence.
Our team ensures that every part of your case is presented clearly and professionally.
Why You Must Act Fast
Time is critical. Filing your appeal promptly gives you a stronger case.
The sooner you contact us, the more time we have to prepare evidence and develop a tailored strategy.
Delays can weaken your case and reduce the chance of a positive outcome.
Early action also allows us to advise you on driving restrictions and next steps while waiting for your hearing.
Get Back on the Road
A licence suspension can be overwhelming, but you have options.
Highway Advocates is here to help drivers in NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, TAS and ACT appeal their suspensions and get back behind the wheel.
Contact us today.
Acting quickly gives you the best chance to keep or regain your licence.
The Drivers Licence Appeal Process
- File Your Appeal
You usually have 28 days to appeal from the date of your suspension notice.
Missing the deadline can prevent you from challenging the decision.
We help prepare and lodge your appeal quickly and correctly to avoid delays.
- Prepare for Your Hearing
Preparation is key. We gather supporting evidence such as:
- Driving history
- Character references from employers or colleagues
- Evidence of financial hardship caused by the suspension
- Medical reports showing you can drive safely
We guide you through each step to ensure your appeal is well-prepared and ready for court.
- Attend Court
We will represent you at the hearing.
We clearly explain your circumstances and the impact of the suspension.
We make sure your case is presented in a professional and persuasive way.
Our goal is always to remove your demerit points, reduce your fines and keep you on the road.
- Receive the Decision
The Magistrate may:
- Cancel the suspension entirely
- Reduce the suspension period
- Uphold the suspension
If successful, you may be able to resume driving immediately or after a shorter period.
Many of our clients are back on the road faster than they anticipated.
Common Mistakes Professional Drivers Make When Defending Themselves
Many appeals fail due to avoidable errors. Common mistakes include:
- Waiting too long to seek advice
- Incorrectly lodging forms
- Arriving unprepared at court
- Failing to provide proper evidence
- Giving explanations that weaken the case
By having a specialist licence appeals lawyer, you can make sure mistakes like these never see the light of day.
We guide you through the appeals process.
Our experience allows us to anticipate potential challenges and roadblocks in your matter, and address them before your hearing.
What Evidence Helps Your Appeal
Strong evidence can significantly improve your chances. Useful evidence includes:
- Work contracts or proof of income loss
- Letters from employers or supervisors
- Statements showing family or caring responsibilities
- Medical certificates or reports
- Training or compliance records
- Fatigue management logs
We help you gather and present all relevant evidence clearly.
Our goal is to build a case that the Court can understand and respect.
How Highway Advocates Can Help
We specialise in licence appeals for drivers across all industries.
We understand that losing your licence can threaten your job and income.
Our team provides personalised advice and support throughout the entire process.
We will:
- Assess your eligibility for appeal
- Lodge your appeal within the required timeframe
- Collect strong supporting evidence
- Represent you in court
Our goal is to get you back on the road safely and legally.
We focus on clear communication and practical advice, helping you understand your options at every stage.
Fees and Costs
We offer fixed fees for all licence appeals.
We provide clear, frank and upfront advice about fees and court costs.
The truth is, the cost of not appealing a licence suspension can often be much higher than the cost of an appeal.
A licence suspension can mean months without income.
Investing in legal help can save your career and your livelihood.
Multiple Jurisdictions
We assist drivers in multiple states:
- NSW – TfNSW licence appeals
- QLD – Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads licence appeals
- VIC – VicRoads licence appeals
- ACT – Access Canberra licence appeals
- SA – Department for Infrastructure and Transport licence appeals
- TAS – Transport Services Tasmania licence appeals
We understand the rules in each state and adapt your appeal accordingly.
Our knowledge of the different legal processes ensures your case is prepared correctly, no matter what road you drive on.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, yes. Lodging your appeal pauses the suspension until a decision is made.
It depends on your circumstances. Many drivers have their suspension reduced or removed.
Appeals are complex. Strong legal representation greatly increases your chances of success.
Most appeals are heard within a few weeks. Court schedules vary, but decisions are often made on the day.
We can advise on combined appeals and the best strategy to protect your driving privileges.