Yes, chazza, you can argue that �exceptional hardship� would be caused by such a disqualification.
This is a difficult argument with which to succeed and it is entirely at the magistrates� discretion whether to accept it or not. The circumstances you mention (that driving is essential to your job) is not usually sufficient by itself. Bearing in mind that to receive such a ban you have to commit a minimum of two, and more usually four offences within three years, most Benches take the view that drivers who need to drive for their work have adequate opportunity to moderate their driving to stay within the law. The possible loss of employment is something they should have forseen and considered and is not "exceptional".
A couple of further points worth a mention on this topic:
- The "exceptional hardship" argument is only available for disqualifications which would be imposed under the "totting up" rules. It is not available where a single offence has attracted a ban.
- If you are successful with the exceptional hardship argument, the same reasons cannot be used to avoid a totting up ban within three years.