Many Australians are baffled after learning about the “extraordinary license” in which to select drivers must display a special set of “E plates” on the front and rear of their vehicle. So much so that some say the special plates “shouldn’t exist” at all.

Virtually everyone in the country is familiar with the standard L and P plates, used to show other motorists on the road. road who among them is still learning. But it turns out that many, apart from Western Australia I have never heard of the extraordinary license (EL).

Although there are different types of permits which vary by jurisdiction, including for the use of heavy machinery, for foreign nationals and motorcyclists, E plates are used for those who have had their license disqualified but must drive for critical reasons, such as for medical treatment or to meet their needs.

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a spokesperson for the Western Australian Department of Transport (DOT) revealed that although the number of ELs administered had decreased over a one-year period, there were still some Hundreds on the road now.

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

Many only discovered their existence this week after Perth-based podcasters Jamison Lennon and Dylan Saccomanno said on TikTok they found the whole system “embarrassing”. Some Australians were stunned.

“E plates shouldn’t exist,” one person said.

“Only WA has E plates,” added a second. “It’s ridiculous (because) no other court conviction can allow someone to say ‘oh no, court, can you please not disqualify my license’.”

“E plates are just L plates that have two pieces of tape on the L,” another explained.

The DOT spokesperson told Yahoo that anyone who has lost their license cannot apply for an EL, however, as applicants are subject to a strict set of criteria. In particular, they must not have been excluded from the road for an alcohol-related offense.

“An extraordinary license will only be issued if a court finds it appropriate for a driver to receive one,” the spokesperson said. “Waiting periods also apply before submitting a request for extraordinary authorization, determined by the number and nature of the offense(s).

“When a disqualified driver requests a court order for the CEO of the Ministry of Transport to grant an extraordinary permit, the legal representatives of the Ministry of Transport will test the veracity of the evidence and arguments presented to ensure that they meet the requirements of legislation.”

Disqualified drivers whose license has been suspended due to demerit point suspension, immediate exclusion notice, fine suspension or whose application for an extraordinary license has been refused by a court in the last six months cannot apply.

Various online sources suggested that it was up to the individual to obtain their own E plates, and many of them did. social networks specifically claiming they were told to make their own. Some outlets state that EL holders should “customize traditional L plates”, turning them into “E plates”.

Yahoo News asked Transport for their official opinion on the matter. The spokesperson did not answer our question directly, but said: “If the display of an E plate is a condition of the issuance of an extraordinary permit, it is the responsibility of the permit holder to take care of it.”

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