State's bizarre 'E-plate' licence rule confuses Aussie drivers: 'Shouldn't exist'

Australians have responded with confusion after learning about one state's "extraordinary licence" — in which select drivers are told to sport a special set of "E-plates" at the front and rear of their vehicles.

Virtually everyone in the country would be aware of the standard L and P-plates, used to show other motorists on the road who among them is still learning. But as it turns out, many outside of Western Australia have never heard of the extraordinary licence (EL).

While there are different types of licences that vary between jurisdictions, including for operating heavy machinery, for foreign nationals and motorcycle riders, E-plates are used for those who have had their licence disqualified but need to drive for crucial reasons, such as for medical treatment or to support their livelihood.

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a spokesperson for the Western Australian Department of Transport (DOT) revealed that while the number of ELs administered had decreased in the last three years, there are still hundreds on the road right now.

In the 2023-24 financial year, a total of 424 ELs with a validity of six months were given to drivers in the state, with 408 one-year ELs also approved. In contrast, in the 2022-23 financial year, there were 583 six-month extraordinary licences approved and 579 valid for 12-months — reflecting a modest decline year on year.

Many only discovered their existence this week after Perth-based podcasters Jamison Lennon and Dylan Saccomanno said on TikTok they found the entire system "embarrassing". Some Australians were stunned. "E-plates shouldn't exist," one person said.

"Only WA has E-plates," a second added. "It’s ridiculous [because] no other court conviction can someone go 'aw no, court, can you pretty please not make my license disqualified'."

"E-plates are just L-plates that have two bits of tape across the L," said another.

Strict set of criteria to obtain 'extraordinary licence'

The DOT spokesperson told Yahoo that not everyone who has lost their licence can apply for an EL however, with applicants subject to a strict set of criteria. Most notably, they mustn't have been disqualified from the road for any alcohol-related offence.

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"An extraordinary licence will only be issued if a Court considers it appropriate for a driver to be issued with one," the spokesperson said. "Wait periods prior to lodging an application for an extraordinary licence also apply, determined by the number and nature of the offence or offences.

"When a disqualified driver seeks a court order for the CEO Department of Transport to grant an extraordinary licence, the Department of Transport legal representatives will test the veracity of the evidence and submissions made to ensure they meet the requirements of the legislation."

Disqualified drivers who have had their licence suspended due to a demerit point suspension, an immediate disqualification notice, a fine suspension or have had an application for an extraordinary licence refused by a court within the past six months cannot apply.

Extraordinary licence holders must craft their own plates

Various online sources suggested it was up to the individual to source their own E-plates, with many on social media in particular claiming they were told to manufacture their own. Some outlets state EL holders should "customise traditional L-plates", turning them into "E-plates".

Yahoo News asked Transport what their official advice on this matter was. The spokesperson did not answer our question directly but they did say: "Should the display of an E-plate be a condition of an extraordinary licence being issued, it is the responsibility of the licence holder to arrange it".

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