Alcohol Interlock Exemption Victoria
Navigating the relicensing process can feel confusing, especially when legislation has changed since your original offence. At Drink Drive Victoria, we're here to make the alcohol interlock exemption process in Victoria as straightforward as possible, with accredited assessors, clear guidance, and support at every step.
What Is an Alcohol Interlock Exemption?
If you committed a drink driving offence before 1 October 2014 and have not yet applied for your driver's licence, you may now be required to navigate a new licensing process managed by VicRoads. Under Section 50AAAE of the Road Safety Act 1986, drivers in this situation must either apply for an alcohol interlock exemption in Victoria or accept relicensing with an alcohol interlock condition attached (a minimum six-month requirement).
An alcohol interlock exemption is essentially an application to VicRoads seeking to be exempt from the mandatory interlock condition. It's a formal process that requires a professional alcohol assessment to determine whether an interlock device is genuinely needed in your circumstances.
Who Needs an Interlock Exemption in Victoria?
You may need to apply for an interlock exemption in Victoria if you:
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Committed a drink driving offence before 1 October 2014
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Have not yet applied for a drivers licence or permit since the offence
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Would have had an interlock condition imposed had you attended court before 1 December 2019
If this applies to you, VicRoads now manages your licensing application and requires you to take action. The good news is that you don't have to navigate it alone. However, you will need to confirm with VicRoads whether you are eligible to apply for the exemption before we can book you in.
How the Alcohol Interlock Exemption Process Works
The process begins with a professional alcohol assessment conducted by an accredited Drug and Alcohol Professional. At Drink Drive Victoria, our experienced clinicians will assess your level of alcohol use, any dependency concerns, and whether hazardous drinking patterns are present. All of this informs VicRoads' decision on whether an interlock condition is warranted or an exemption can be granted.
Here's what to expect:
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Book your assessment. Contact us on 1300 123 723 or book online. Have any correspondence from VicRoads ready so we can confirm exactly what's required in your situation.
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Attend your alcohol assessment. The assessment is a confidential, non-judgmental conversation. Our professionals are here to support you, not judge you. The session typically takes around 45–60 minutes.
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VicRoads makes a determination. VicRoads reviews our assessment report and decides whether to grant the exemption or proceed with an interlock condition.
Next Steps to Getting Your Licence Back
Depending on the outcome of your exemption application, there may be additional steps required before you can return to driving. Many people in this situation are also required to complete a behaviour change program as part of the relicensing process.
Drink Drive Victoria offers a full range of VicRoads-accredited programs to help you meet every requirement:
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Drink driving course online for first-time offenders with a BAC below 0.150
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Drug driving behaviour change program for first-time drug driving offenders
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Intensive drink driving course for repeat offenders, high BAC readings, or refusal to provide a sample
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Licence eligibility order assessment to determine whether further support is needed
Not sure which programs apply to you? Our team can help you work through your VicRoads relicensing letter and map out exactly what you need to do. Explore our full behaviour change programs in Victoria to get started.
Cost
The Alcohol Interlock Exemption Assessment is $250 (including GST), which includes your professional consultation and the preparation of your assessment report.
There is no VicRoads Recovery Fee applicable to this service.
Why Choose Drink Drive Victoria?
Drink Drive Victoria is one of a select number of providers accredited by VicRoads to deliver Drink and Drug Driver Behaviour Change Programs and related assessments across Victoria. Our Drug and Alcohol Professionals bring genuine expertise, real compassion, and years of experience supporting people through situations exactly like this.
Here's what sets us apart:
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Accredited and experienced. All assessors are qualified Drug and Alcohol Professionals accredited by VicRoads
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Judgment-free. We're here to support you, not to lecture you
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Melbourne and regional Victoria. With locations across Melbourne and major regional cities, we're accessible wherever you are
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One team, everything you need. From your interlock exemption assessment through to behaviour change programs, we can support you through every step of the relicensing process
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Responsive and easy to reach. Call us on 1300 123 723 and talk to a real person
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you've received correspondence from VicRoads about an alcohol interlock condition or exemption application, don't wait — the sooner you act, the sooner you can move forward.
Call us today on 1300 123 723 or book your assessment online. Our friendly team is ready to help you understand your options and get the process moving.