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Holders of interstate driver licences are allowed to drive in Queensland provided they comply with the conditions of a Queensland driver licence. The same also generally applies for holders Queensland driver licences driving interstate.
However, there are certain circumstances when an interstate driver licence holder’s authority to drive in Queensland will be withdrawn.
- Suspension, Cancellation or Disqualification of Interstate Licence
Firstly, and perhaps most obviously, if a person’s interstate licence is suspended, cancelled or disqualified then that person’s authority to drive in Queensland on their interstate licence will be withdrawn.
- Disqualification by a Queensland Court
Secondly, if a person is disqualified from holding or obtaining a Queensland driver licence by a Court Order, then the person’s authority to drive in Queensland on their interstate licence is withdrawn.
The person will also find that the relevant interstate licensing authority who issued their interstate licence will be notified and take action to disqualify the interstate licence thereby withdrawing their entitlement to drive in their home state or in another state.
- Grounds of being Medically Unfit
Thirdly, if the Chief Executive of Queensland Transport receives information that an interstate driver licence holder is medically unfit to drive safely, the Chief Executive may by written notice, immediately withdraw the interstate driver licence holder’s authority to drive in Queensland.
- Residing in Queensland for 3 months or more
The authority to drive in Queensland on an interstate licence is withdrawn after the holder has been residing in Queensland for 3 months or more. Many new residents to Queensland are not aware of this law and could potentially be at risk of being charged by the police with unlicensed driving and have to appear in Court.
Other Implications from not holding a Queensland Driver Licence in Queensland
Holders of interstate driver licences who drive in Queensland should also be aware that if they are convicted of a drink driving offence in Queensland they will not be eligible to apply for a Restricted Work Licence which would otherwise allow them to continue to drive in the course of their employment. This is because an applicant for a Restricted Work Licence must have been the holder of a Queensland Driver Licence at the time the driving offence was committed.
For more information on driver licences or other traffic matters, please contact Steven Hayles.
About the author
Steven Hayles
Director
LLB
Born and raised in Mackay, Steven completed his High School studies at Pioneer High School, before moving north to complete his law degree at Townsville’s James Cook University.
During his law degree, Steven was offered a position as a law clerk with Macrossan & Amiet during University vacation periods.
After spending several stints with Macrossan & Amiet during his degree, Steven elected to commence his solicitor’s traineeship with the firm in 2006. Steven was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland on 20 April 2007.
As a Mackay local, Steven is pleased to have secured a position with such a highly regarded local firm, that has a wealth of legal experience shared between its practitioners.
When Steven is not at work, he enjoys sporting pastimes including cricket, touch football and watching the National Rugby League.
About Macrossan & Amiet Solicitors
For over 100 years, Macrossan & Amiet Solicitors has been a leading local law firm in Mackay, with offices in Proserpine and Cannonvale servicing the Whitsundays region. Our experienced solicitors provide professional legal services to individuals, families and businesses across regional Queensland.
Whether you need representation in court, assistance buying or selling property, or advice on protecting your assets, our Mackay lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.
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