What is a hardship license?

A hardship license allows a person to drive when his normal driver's license has been suspended or revoked, according to NASDAQ. It allows driving privileges only for certain reasons and under particular circumstances

According to NASDAQ, the driver must prove that his lack of a normal driver's license is causing a hardship on his family in order to get a hardship license. A hardship license typically only allows the driver to travel back and forth to work, school or day care, and most states limit the hours during which the restricted driver is allowed to drive. If the driver is caught operating a vehicle outside of approved hours or locations, privileges are revoked.