Aussie state to roll out new driver's licence in days. What's in it for drivers?

As the clock ticks down, drivers who relish the thrill of ultra-high-powered vehicles (UHPVs) should shift gears soon.

South Australian drivers who use UHPVs have been urged to apply for a new U-class licence.

With the deadline fast approaching, those who failed to comply could find themselves facing hefty fines of $2,500 and six demerit points.


The U-class licence was a direct response to a heart-wrenching incident that shook the community.

A 15-year-old girl, Sophia Naismith, was struck by an out-of-control Lamborghini back in 2019.

This incident prompted a significant change in South Australia's road safety regulations, emphasising the need for specialised training for drivers handling powerful vehicles.


compressed-UHPV.jpeg
Ultra-high-powered vehicles (UHPVs) come in different builds and are often from high-end brands. Image Credit: Pexels/Loe Moshkovska


Since its announcement last July, about 1,500 drivers have stepped up to the challenge and gone through the necessary training to get the new licence.

However, with the 1 December deadline, time is running out for those still behind the curve.

'The new laws that come into effect on 1 December will strengthen both education and enforcement to help ensure drivers of ultra-high-powered vehicles are well informed, responsible, and safe on the roads,' a spokesperson from the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport stated.


The U-class licence should be a testament to a driver's understanding of the unique risks associated with UHPVs.

These vehicles are defined by their power-to-weight ratio of at least 276 kilowatts per tonne and come in about 200 different makes.

To drive a UHPV, one must complete an interactive online course that hones in on the specific challenges and features of UHPVs.

The online course costs $61, and licence holders need to pay an additional $20 licence replacement fee.

The consequences would be severe for those who would break the new regulation.

A first offence carries a $2,500 fine, and subsequent offences could lead to a year in prison.


Even visitors are not exempt from this new rule.

While they can drive on their interstate licence, they must adhere to South Australian road rules.

Failure to do so would induce penalties, including up to six demerit points and fines of up to $5,000, should the matter reach the local court.

UHPV drivers have to make sure that they are aware of these new regulations.

It's not just about avoiding fines; it's about being a responsible driver and a community member.
Key Takeaways

  • Drivers in South Australia have to apply for a U-class licence to drive ultra-high-powered vehicles.
  • The new licence requirement was introduced following the death of 15-year-old Sophia Naismith, who died in a collision with a Lamborghini in 2019.
  • Motorists driving the said vehicles must complete an interactive online course teaching them about the additional risks of these cars.
  • The U-class licence training and replacement fees cost $81 in total, with the new laws taking effect from 1 December.
Do you believe that these measures will enhance road safety? Your insights and thoughts are valuable, and we look forward to hearing from you in the comments below.
 

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I don't believe it will make much of a difference to a lot of people who love to drive fast. They don't care about other people on the road, they just love the thrill or adrenaline rush they get. I don't understand why cars can be made to do such high speeds to start with.
 
Another Knee jerk reaction!
This will make absolutely no difference.
Once again to solve an issue costs and fines are introduced.
Why does it cos $61 to do an online course. It should be free.
There has been many many more incidents of teenage African kids stealing cars, losing control and injuring or killing innocent people but they don’t get fined, they simply get let out on bail to offend again!
 
Another Knee jerk reaction!
This will make absolutely no difference.
Once again to solve an issue costs and fines are introduced.
Why does it cos $61 to do an online course. It should be free.
There has been many many more incidents of teenage African kids stealing cars, losing control and injuring or killing innocent people but they don’t get fined, they simply get let out on bail to offend again!
Why only mention 'teenage African kids'? Surely other young people of all nationalities have been guilty.
 
So what happens if you are an interstate driver passing through, just visiting, or want to hire a vehicle? How do you find a list of vehicles and is the new licence category recognised or put on other state licences? Need to know or do I email somewhere in South Australia for these answers? Thank you for any replies
 
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Reactions: Bethwilson
This licence class is a result of the law failing the successful prosecution of a driver running down a couple of girls in a 50kph zone killing one, with the excuse being the vehicle was in the wrong mode and the driver unskilled in the vehicle's operation. Forgive me if I am wrong, but my belief has always been we are responsible for the vehicle under our control, and this licence after thought should have made no difference, and the person should have been held responsible for their actions, not acquitted under a Lawyer created technicality because they had deep pockets. Lawyers imo consistently murky the waters of every law on the books to get their clients off, demonstrating they themselves have no respect for their profession whatsoever, the laws are just there to be bastardised.
 
this new rule SHOULD make a difference. (one can only hope). what about these HIGH POWERED MOTOR BIKES AS WELL.??....(or do they ALLREADY have a restriction placed on them.??
These vehicles are defined by their power-to-weight ratio of at least 276 kilowatts per tonne and come in about 200 different makes.

One of the world's highest performing motorcycles, the Suzuki GSX1000RR has a power-to-weight ratio of about 955 kilowatts per tonne.

In NSW, the dumb licencing laws are to blame. Someone who is over the age of 25 who is the holder of a full driver's licence, can get their FULL motorcycle licence WITHOUT going through the P plate stage.

This means that Mr 55 Year Old with a full licence can go out and buy a 1200cc Hardly Drivable with practically zero riding experience and kill himself.

Want to prove me wrong? Don't worry! In 2020, over 49% of all motorcycle deaths in Australia were in the 40 to 64 year age group.
 
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Reactions: deni67

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