Caught Driving Without a Licence in South Australia? Get Legal Help
Driving without a valid licence is a criminal offence in South Australia under the Motor Vehicles Act 1959 (SA). The severity of the penalty depends on why the driver is unlicensed - whether they have never held a licence, have an expired licence, or are disqualified from driving.
What the Offence Is
Under section 74 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1959 (SA), a person commits an offence if they drive a motor vehicle on a road without holding a valid driver’s licence.
This includes situations where:
- The person has never held a licence.
- The licence has expired.
- The person is driving with a suspended or disqualified licence.
- The person is driving in breach of licence conditions (e.g., driving a manual car with an automatic-only licence).
More serious penalties apply if a person is caught driving while disqualified or suspended.
Why you Need Legal Advice
A conviction for driving unlicensed can lead to heavy fines, licence disqualification, and even jail time for serious offences. This can impact your ability to work, travel, and maintain independence.
If you have been charged with driving unlicensed, contact Stanley & Co Lawyers on 08 7001 6135 to speak with an expert Traffic Lawyer. We offer a complimentary 30-minute, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explore your best legal options.
Helpful Questions & Answers
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What the Prosecution Needs to Prove (Elements of the Offence)
To convict a person of driving unlicensed, the prosecutionmust prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:
- The accused was driving – The person was in control of a motor vehicle.
- The accused was driving on a road – The incident occurred on a public road or a place where the public has access (e.g., a car park).
- The accused was not holding a valid licence – The driver had never been issued a licence or their licence had expired, been suspended, or been cancelled.
If any of these elements cannot be proven, the accused maynot be found guilty.
The Relevant Court
Driving unlicensed is generally dealt with as a summary offence in the Magistrates Court of South Australia.
However, if the offence involves driving while disqualified, a repeat offence, or is linked to another serious traffic offence, it may carry harsher penalties.
What Defences Are Available?
Possible defences to driving while unlicensed include:
- Honest and Reasonable Mistake – If the accused genuinely believed they held a valid licence (e.g., an administrative error with renewal).
- Emergency or Necessity – If the accused was driving due to an urgent medical or life-threatening emergency.
- Lack of Evidence – If the prosecution cannot prove that the accused was driving.
- Not Driving on a Public Road – If the accused was driving on private property, the law may not apply.
Each case is different, and legal advice is stronglyrecommended to determine the best defence strategy.
What Are the Specific Maximum Penalties for the Offence?
Penalties for driving unlicensed vary depending on thecircumstances:
1. First-time offence (Section 74(1) – Has Previously Held a Licence or Expired Licence)
- Fine of up to $1,250.
2. Driving on a Learner’s Permit Without a QualifiedSupervisor (Section 74(2))
- First offence - Fine of up to $2,500.
- Subsequent offence - $5,000 fine or imprisonment for 1 year
3. Driving While Disqualified or Suspended (Section 91 ofthe Motor Vehicles Act 1959)
- Possible imprisonment of up to 12 months for a first offence.
- Up to 3 years’ imprisonment for repeat offences.
Courts take driving while disqualified or suspended veryseriously, as it shows a disregard for prior court orders.
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