Having a driver license is essential for most people. It allows them to travel to and from work, take their children to school and after-school activities, make hospital appointments, care for elderly relatives, volunteer in the community, and more. However, there are situations in which you may not be able to have a driver license although this could cause you undue hardship. If that is the case, writing a letter to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to explain your situation may allow them to reconsider not granting you a license.
Writing a Hardship Letter Driver License for Young Drivers
One situation in which you may not be able to have a driver license is if you are under 16 years old. While there is no way that you will be granted a license under the age of 14, those who are between 14 and 16 years old may be considered if they can demonstrate hardship. For instance, if you live remotely and you must look after your parents who are disabled, taking a school bus may be too time consuming. It would mean spending several hours per day traveling, hours that are needed to look after your parents. Without your help, they may start to experience undue hardship, not just financially but medically as well.
Writing a Hardship Letter Driver License After Conviction
The other situation in which you may want to write this type of hardship letter, is if your license has been taken away from you. Perhaps you have been convicted of a DUI or overspeeding. If losing your license would mean that you are no longer able to work, which would affect other members of your family, or if it means you can no longer properly look after your loved ones, causing them undue hardship, the DMV may consider the possibility of giving you a license.
Content of the Hardship Letter
In both situations, you must provide significant evidence to demonstrate the hardship caused by not having a license. You must also state that you will be willing to accept any conditions posed on your license. For instance, you may be required to have a vehicle that is fitted with a tracker, and agree to only drive at certain times, on certain routes, and never above a certain speed. If you are willing to meet those conditions, there is a chance that you will be allowed to have, or to retain, a driver license.
Some Advice in Writing the Hardship Letter
When writing a hardship letter, it is incredibly important to stick to facts. While you are in an emotional situation, and one that affects how you feel, the recipient of the letter is not interested in this. They want to know why you can’t have a license and how this affects you, and they want to see documents that prove this. Hence, make sure to keep your letter short and to the point and to attach any documented evidence. Try to make is just one page long, and make sure it is properly addressed and free from any grammatical or spelling errors. Do also send it via registered mail and keep a copy for yourself.
Hardship Letter Driver License Example
{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}
{Date}
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter to apply for a Hardship License. I am {age 14-16} years old and need to drive for job purposes to help support my family.
I am a {grade} in high school and need to get from school to my job every afternoon. My parents work all day and I cannot catch a bus or walk to my place of employment because it is {number} miles from my school. My family situation is {specific dire financial circumstances} and my contribution to our finances is essential.
I understand that this license would be conditional. I would only use the vehicle with the license plate {number} on weekdays to get from {address} to {address} and {address} to {address}. The vehicle would only be in use between {time} and {time}.
I am attaching my application form as well as several character references that elaborate on my circumstances and attest to my responsibility and maturity.
Sincerely,
{Sender Name}