Common questions about NSW driving charges

Short, plain-English answers — each one links to the full guide.

• Will I lose my licence for mid-range drink driving in NSW?Here is what Court Pilot shows for a middle-range PCA charge (0.08 to under 0.15) — the figures the court works from, and the outcome that avoids disqualification altogether.
• Will I go to jail for drink driving in NSW?Every drink-driving charge has a maximum penalty set by Parliament. These are the maximums for each range — a maximum is the most the court can impose, and whether any conviction is recorded at all is what the section 10 outcome is about.
• What is a section 10 and how do I get one?A 'section 10' is shorthand for the outcome where the court finds you guilty but records no conviction. Here is what it means and what the court weighs.
• Can I drive to work while I am disqualified or suspended in NSW?People often expect a 'work licence'. Here is what Court Pilot says about driving during a disqualification, and the lawful routes to getting back on the road.
• What is the alcohol interlock and will I have to get one?For most mid- and high-range drink-driving offences the court makes a mandatory alcohol interlock order. Here is how the device and the program work.
• What is the Traffic Offender Program and should I do it before court?The Traffic Offender Intervention Program is a short education course. Completing it before you are sentenced is one of the things that genuinely helps.
• What happens at my first court date?The first date is usually a short 'mention', not the hearing. Here are the first steps of the court journey as Court Pilot lays them out.
• Police suspended my licence on the spot — can I appeal?Some suspensions can be appealed, and the deadlines are short and unforgiving. Which rule applies depends on the type of suspension on your notice.
• Will I get a criminal record for drink driving?A conviction for a drink-driving offence is a criminal record. Whether a conviction is recorded is the central question at sentencing.
• What counts as a 'first offence' for drink driving?Whether a charge counts as a first or a second offence changes the automatic disqualification and the maximum penalty — and the test is a five-year one. Here is how Court Pilot describes it.
• How much is the fine for drink driving in NSW?The maximum fine depends on the range and whether it is a first offence. These are the maximums; a court can impose less.
• High-range drink driving, first offence — what happens?High-range PCA (0.15 or more) is the most serious drink-driving charge. Here is what the charge means and the figures the court works from.
• Low-range drink driving, first offence — what happens?Low-range PCA (0.05 to under 0.08) is often dealt with by a penalty notice for a first offence, but it can still go to court. Here is what Court Pilot shows.
• I tested positive for drugs while driving — what happens now?Here is what a drug-presence charge means, what the consequences are, and why the usual 'I did not know' argument does not work.
• What is the penalty for driving while suspended in NSW?Driving while your licence is suspended is a serious offence with its own disqualification. Here is what the charge means and the figures.
• What is the penalty for driving while disqualified in NSW?Driving while disqualified by a court is treated seriously and can carry a prison sentence. Here is what the charge means and the figures.
• What is the penalty for negligent driving in NSW?Ordinary negligent driving is a fine-only offence, but the penalties rise sharply where someone was hurt or killed. Here is what the charge means and the figures.
• Dangerous driving occasioning death — what am I facing?This is one of the most serious driving charges in NSW, dealt with under the Crimes Act. Here is what it means and where it is heard.
• Can I get my licence back before the disqualification ends?After an offence-free period you may be able to apply to the Local Court to remove a disqualification early. Here is how Court Pilot describes it.
• How do I get a character reference for court, and what should it say?Two to four short references, addressed to the court, can make a real difference at sentencing. Here is what each one should cover.
• Do I have to give evidence at my hearing?At a defended hearing you can give evidence and call witnesses — but you do not have to. Here is how Court Pilot describes that step.
• What should I bring to court, and what should I expect on the day?The practical side of the day matters more than people expect. Here is the start of Court Pilot's day-of-court guide.