Removal of driver's licence disqualification
If a court has disqualified you from driving for more than three years for one offence, you can apply to get your licence back before the disqualification ends.
This information will help you to understand more about removing a driver's licence disqualification. Find out:
- How long you have to wait before you can apply
- How you can apply
- What the court considers in making its decision
- Whether you have to pay any costs in making the application
- What help you can get with your application
Legal Aid WA produces a detailed self-help guide to help you apply to remove old licence disqualifications. It includes full information about how to apply as well as the forms and letters you need to use when you apply.
How long do I have to wait before I can apply to have my licence disqualification removed?
You can only apply to remove a disqualification if it is for more than three years. Multiple disqualifications that together add up to more than three years do not count.
There are certain waiting periods that apply, ranging from 3 to 10 years, depending on the length of the disqualification. The waiting period for the application starts from when the disqualification is imposed.
| Disqualification | Waiting period |
| Over 3 years, up to 6 years | 3 years |
| Over 6 years, up to 20 years | Half the disqualification period |
| Over 20 years, life or permanently | 10 years |
If you have 'cumulative' disqualifications that are each for more than 3 years, you must apply to have each disqualification removed separately and will have to serve a new waiting period after each disqualification is removed and the next disqualification starts to run.
If your disqualifications were made 'concurrent', you can apply to remove all of them in the same application after just one waiting period.
'Cumulative' means the disqualifications run one after the other, not at the same time. 'Concurrent' means the disqualifications run at the same time.
If you have more than one life disqualification, no matter if they are cumulative or concurrent, you can apply to remove all of them at the same time.
How do I apply to have my licence disqualification removed?
- Gather all the relevant information.
- Complete and file an application form with the court.
- Pay the application fee.
- Complete and file affidavits in support of your application.
- Go to court for the hearing.
An application to have your disqualification removed is usually made to the District Court. However, if your disqualification was imposed by the Supreme Court, you must apply to the Supreme Court to have the disqualification removed.
Legal Aid WA's detailed self-help guide has full information to help you apply.
What does the court consider when making its decision?
The court will make its decision based on:
- the safety of the public generally
- your character
- the circumstances of the case
- the nature of the offence(s) that led to the disqualification
- how you have behaved after your licence was disqualified, and
- why you need a licence.
If your application is refused, you must wait 12 months before you can apply again.
Will I have to pay any costs?
You will have to pay a court filing fee when you file your application with the court. You may also have to pay the legal costs of the solicitors for the Department of Transport, even if you are successful in your application.
Get help
It is important to get legal advice before you make your application to be sure you have calculated your waiting period correctly. If not, the court will not consider your application, you may have to pay costs, and you will not be able to apply again for 12 months.
Resources from Legal Aid WA
Reviewed: 9 September 2026
