Drug driving, Caloundra

Drug driving in Caloundra — and how to keep driving for work

Most drug driving charges in Queensland are for having a relevant drug present — detected by a roadside saliva test, no impairment required. For that charge, a work licence may let you keep driving. Charged in the southern Sunshine Coast? Your matter is heard at Caloundra Magistrates Court, 3 Gregson Place, Caloundra. Here’s the honest picture, and exactly what we’ll do about it.

Written and reviewed by Steven Brough, founder · practising in Queensland courts for 25+ years · Last updated 7 July 2026

$2,750

fixed fee, guilty plea

$2,990

work licence application, all in

Caloundra

heard at 3 Gregson Place

Court date coming up? Talk to our team today — free.

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Your court

Caloundra Magistrates Court

3 Gregson Place, Caloundra QLD 4551. Drug driving charges for the southern Sunshine Coast are heard here. The registry is open 8:30am–4:30pm weekdays.

Our office

Suite 8, 84 Wises Rd, Maroochydore

A short drive from court. Meet us here, by phone, or at court on the morning. Phone 1300 952 255.

Your lawyer

Braden, Jacob or Steven

Your matter is run start to finish by one of our Caloundra regulars — Braden, Jacob or Steven. The lawyer you speak to is the one who appears beside you.

Penalties at a glance — first offence

Driving with a relevant drug present

1–9 months disqualification

1 month minimum · fine up to 14 penalty units · work licence may be available · no impairment needed to be charged.

Driving under the influence (DUI) of a drug

6 months min — no upper limit

Up to 9 months imprisonment · fine up to 28 penalty units · mandatory 6-month disqualification · impairment must be proven.

Second or later offences carry longer disqualifications and, for DUI, a real prospect of imprisonment. Whichever charge you face, the first phone call is free.

The honest picture

What a drug driving charge in Queensland actually means

Queensland has two very different drug driving offences under section 79 of the transport legislation, and which one you’re facing changes everything — including whether you can keep driving for work. Six things are worth knowing before your court date:

1 "Relevant drug present" needs no impairment at all

The common charge is simply having a relevant drug in your saliva or blood. The prosecution doesn’t have to prove you were affected — just that the drug was detected. It’s the roadside saliva test that catches most people.

2 Four drugs are tested at the roadside

The saliva test detects THC (cannabis), methylamphetamine (speed/ice), MDMA (ecstasy) and cocaine. Cannabis can show up hours — sometimes days — after use, long after any effect has worn off. You can be charged stone-cold sober.

3 A work licence IS available — for the lower charge

Unlike high range drink driving, a relevant-drug-present charge can qualify for a restricted (work) licence — if you’re eligible and you apply before you’re sentenced. Miss that window and it’s gone. Check yourself below.

4 First offence: 1 to 9 months off the road

For a first relevant-drug-present offence the disqualification runs from a 1-month minimum up to 9 months, plus a fine. Where yours lands — and whether a conviction is recorded — is argued at court, not fixed.

5 DUI of a drug is a different, far more serious charge

If police allege you were actually impaired by a drug (DUI), the minimum disqualification jumps to 6 months with no upper limit, imprisonment is on the table, and no work licence is available. Which charge you face matters enormously.

6 It's dealt with in open court — and you must attend

Drug driving can’t be handled online or by post. You appear before a magistrate in person, and the facts are read aloud in open court. What’s said next — your story, your preparation — is up to whoever speaks for you.

Check in 30 seconds

Can you get a work licence for drug driving?

A work (restricted) licence lets you keep driving for your job through the disqualification. It’s only available for the lower charge — and it must be applied for before you’re sentenced. Pick your situation and see roughly where you stand.

Timing is everything.

Once you plead guilty and are sentenced, the work licence door closes. It’s the single most common thing people lose by turning up unrepresented.

General guidance only, not legal advice. Confirm your answer with a lawyer on 1300 952 255, free.

1. Which charge are you facing?

1. Do you hold an open QLD licence (not learner or provisional plates)?

2. In the last 5 years, have you been convicted of any drink or drug driving offence?

3. Were you driving as part of your job (e.g. a truck or company vehicle) at the time of the offence?

4. Would losing your licence cost you your job or income, or cause your family severe hardship?

A work licence isn’t available for driving under the influence (DUI) of a drug — the same as high range drink driving. But the length of your disqualification is still very much worth fighting for. Call 1300 952 255 and we’ll tell you the realistic range.

What we actually do

How we get you the best result

Whether it’s the shortest disqualification, a work licence, or no conviction recorded — everything below is aimed at the best outcome your case allows.

We check exactly which charge you face

Relevant drug present or DUI? The difference decides whether a work licence is even possible. We read the charge documents before you plead to anything.

01 We get the brief from the prosecutor

We obtain the QP9 and the drug analysis certificate, and check how the sample was taken and whether the paperwork stacks up. If something’s wrong, we find it here.

02 We apply for your work licence in time

If you’re eligible, we prepare and file the restricted licence application before you’re sentenced — the window that people acting alone so often miss.

Before sentence

03 You do the smart things early

A QTOP course — it runs over 4 days, and we’re a proud sponsor — plus character references and, where relevant, drug counselling. We tell you exactly what to get, and when.

04 We tailor every word to your result

What we say to the magistrate is built around you — your charge, your history, your need to drive — and aimed squarely at the best realistic outcome: the shortest disqualification, the work licence, and the conviction question argued.

05 Your lawyer speaks for you, and you leave with a plan

You won’t have to find the words yourself. Your lawyer puts your story to the magistrate, and you leave with your licence dates and next steps in writing.

06

Guilty plea $2,750 · work licence application $2,990 — quoted in writing before you commit.

Steven Brough · Founder · Queensland Law Society member · 25+ years in Queensland courts

Steven's approach

Drug driving is decided by preparation — and timing.

Steven founded the firm in 2010 and has spent 25+ years in Queensland Magistrates Courts. The approach he built runs through every drug driving matter our lawyers take on — because for the common charge, a work licence is on the table, and the window to apply is short.

His method is simple: work out exactly which charge you face, apply for the work licence before you're sentenced if you're eligible, do the things magistrates give credit for — a QTOP course (we're a proud sponsor), references, counselling where relevant — then have your lawyer put your story properly, in person, to a magistrate they appear before every week.

And before you spend a cent, we'll tell you the realistic range for your charge — when a work licence is genuinely achievable, and when the honest answer is that it isn't. If we don't think we can improve your outcome, we'll say so on that first call.

QTOP sponsor

5,000+ matters run

Fixed fee, quoted upfront

2 minutes — work licences and what happens at court, straight from Steven

Diving deeper

Want the full picture on drug driving?

Steven has written a complete guide to drug driving in Queensland — the charges, the penalties, the myths, and how a work licence works. Here’s the short version.

The two charges

Relevant drug present (detection only) versus DUI of a drug (impairment). One can qualify for a work licence; the other can’t.

What decides your penalty

Your charge, your traffic history, whether it’s a repeat offence — and what your lawyer tells the court. The relevant-drug-present minimum is 1 month; DUI starts at 6 with no cap.

How to reduce it: QTOP

Completing the Queensland Traffic Offenders Program before court is one of the most powerful things you can do — we’re a proud sponsor. Add references and counselling where relevant.

Facts & myths

You don’t have to be impaired to be charged. Cannabis can be detected days later. A work licence must be applied for before sentence. You can’t plead guilty online.

The two charges, and the law

There are two separate offences. Driving with a relevant drug present (section 79(2AA)) needs only that an active drug — cannabis (THC), methylamphetamine, MDMA or cocaine — was detected in your saliva or blood; no impairment is required. Driving under the influence of a drug (DUI, section 79(1)) is the more serious impairment charge. The one you face changes everything, including whether a work licence is possible.

What decides your penalty

For a relevant-drug-present charge the minimum disqualification is 1 month; for DUI of a drug it is 6 months with no upper limit. The court weighs your charge, your traffic history, whether it is a repeat offence, and how the matter is presented. There are no demerit points — the penalty is a court-ordered disqualification and a fine, with imprisonment available for repeat or serious matters.

The work licence path

A restricted (work) licence can be available for a relevant-drug-present charge — but not for DUI of a drug. It must be applied for before you are sentenced, and you must meet the eligibility rules (no disqualification or relevant conviction in the last 5 years, and a genuine need to drive for work). Missing the application window means losing the chance entirely, so getting advice early matters.

Reducing the sentence & myths

Completing the QTOP course before court (it runs over 4 days — we’re a proud sponsor), plus character references and counselling where relevant, is what magistrates give credit for. And the myths: you don’t need to be impaired to be charged with relevant-drug-present; cannabis can be detected days after use, long after any effect; and drug driving can’t be finalised online.

General information only, not legal advice. Every matter turns on its own facts — call 1300 952 255 for free, specific advice.

Your local court

Caloundra Magistrates Court — where your charge is heard

Drug driving charges for the southern Sunshine Coast are heard at Caloundra Magistrates Court, 3 Gregson Place, Caloundra. It’s a busy daily court with a resident magistrate — and the bench our lawyers appear before regularly, which is exactly why we know what a Caloundra magistrate wants to see on a work-licence application.

Where it is

3 Gregson Place, Caloundra QLD 4551 — a busy daily court with a resident magistrate. The registry is open 8:30am–4:30pm weekdays.

Parking & getting there

There’s free public parking at the court and around the Caloundra CBD. Allow time to clear security screening at the entrance.

When it sits & what to expect

Caloundra is a daily court that sits every weekday across two courtrooms — aim to arrive by 8:30am, find your courtroom, and your lawyer will meet you, speak to the police prosecutor, and appear beside you.

Caloundra Magistrates Court, 3 Gregson Place, Caloundra.

Frequently asked questions

Asked at 2am, answered here

These are the questions clients ask us most in the first phone call. Anything else — the call is free: 1300 952 255.

Can I get a work licence for drug driving in Queensland?

For the lower charge — driving with a relevant drug present — yes, if you held an open licence, have no drink or drug driving conviction in the last 5 years, weren’t driving for work at the time, and losing your licence would cause extreme hardship. It must be applied for before you’re sentenced. It’s not available for DUI of a drug.

How long will a positive roadside drug test stay in my system?

The roadside saliva test detects THC (cannabis), methylamphetamine (speed/ice) and MDMA (ecstasy). Cannabis in particular can be detected for hours or even days after use, long after any impairment has worn off — which is why you can be charged with a relevant drug present without being affected at all.

What's the difference between 'relevant drug present' and DUI of a drug?

Driving with a relevant drug present only requires the drug to be detected — no impairment needed — and carries a 1 to 9 month disqualification with a work licence potentially available. Driving under the influence (DUI) of a drug requires proof of impairment, is far more serious, carries a minimum 6 month disqualification with no upper limit, and no work licence is available. Which one you face changes everything.

Will I lose my licence for drug driving?

Yes — a disqualification is mandatory. For a first relevant-drug-present offence it runs from 1 to 9 months, with 1 month the minimum; a work licence may let you keep driving for work through it. DUI of a drug carries a minimum of 6 months with no upper limit.

Will drug driving give me a criminal record in Queensland?

It’s a traffic offence, and in many cases the court can be persuaded not to record a conviction — which matters for jobs and travel. We’ll tell you honestly whether that’s realistic in your case.

I wasn't even impaired — how can I be charged with drug driving?

For the relevant-drug-present charge, the prosecution doesn’t have to prove impairment — only that the drug was detected. Cannabis in particular can be picked up hours or days after use, so you can be charged completely sober. It’s frustrating, but it’s how the offence is written.

Is it worth getting a lawyer if I'm pleading guilty to drug driving?

This is where a lawyer helps most. The plea may be a given — but the work licence, the disqualification length, the fine, and whether a conviction is recorded are not. Those are decided in the few minutes before the magistrate.

How much does a drug driving lawyer cost?

$2,750 fixed for a drug driving guilty plea, or $2,990 including a work licence application — preparation, submissions, prosecutor liaison and court appearance included. Quoted in writing before you commit.

our team

The lawyers who'll stand beside you

Every matter is run by a lawyer who appears in these courts constantly — the person you speak to is the person at the bar table.

Steven Brough

Founder & Principal

Russell

Senior lawyer

Jacob Pruden

Senior lawyer

Will

Lawyer

Sarah

Lawyer

Ryan

Lawyer

Braden

Lawyer

From our clients

Kept on the road, kept in work.

Every review here is a 100% authentic Google review from a real client.

4.9 on Google

“Clarity Law Provided me with the Best Professional services that i required throughout my matter within the courts at a high standard. They also provided me with guidelines and courses i needed to attach to my case to gain the best possible outcome. I personally recommend Clarity Law for all your needs. Thank you.”

Aaron Mahony — Google review

“I highly recommend Jacob Pruden. He represented me on a number of charges. I found Jacob very helpful and understanding throughout the process. His explanations were comprehensive and understandable. My outcome was above my expectations. I am very grateful for his representation.”

Vikki — Google review

“Thanks to Jacob & Braden @Claritylaw for helping us navigate the Magistrates Court during a difficult time. They helped us achieve the best possible outcome for a reasonable fee.”

Justin Zehner — Google review

“Definitely recommended Russell and Belinda.. Russell couldn’t of helped my partner anymore best outcome 100 percent recommend and so very grateful for Russell .”

Lisa Renwick — Google review

“Friendly, positive and helpful. Clarity Law represented me in a professional manner and had my best interests at heart. They were able to get me the best possible outcome. Highly recommend this company.”

Gem Wolf — Google review

“I had Jacob Pruden deal with my assault matter, I can’t recommend Jacob highly enough! He was thoroughly prepared and professional. Jacob presence put me at ease in this stressful situation. 100% recommend!”

Scott Larfield — Google review

Belinda Smyth · Client Services Manager · 24 years experience

How we operate

What happens when you contact us

No scripts. No sales pitch. No chasing or hounding. At worst, you hang up knowing more about your charge than when you called.

01 Belinda or Sara takes your call

Our client services team answer every call themselves — no call centre, no scripts. Immediate answers to your questions, at no cost, and your details go straight to a lawyer.

02 A fixed quote lands in your inbox the same day

With extra information relevant to your charge — so you understand your matter whether you engage us or not.

03 You decide, on your own time

With extra information relevant to your charge — so you understand your matter whether you engage us or not.

04 Engaged? An experienced lawyer takes it from there

Court tomorrow? We take urgent matters — and can have the charge adjourned if more preparation time is needed.

The sooner you call, the more we can do.

Free advice with a traffic lawyer. Honest advice, fixed quote, no pressure. 7am–7pm, 7 days.

Questions at 2am?

Ask our assistant about drug driving in Beaudesert — any time.

Instant answers on work licences, penalties, court process and the two charges — trained on Steven’s guides. For advice on your situation, it hands you straight to a human.