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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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.
You get no argument from me.
 
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Sound like another revenue raising scam. It's not going to change the idiot drivers because they have too much money on no sence.
 
Why only mention 'teenage African kids'? Surely other young people of all nationalities have been guilty.
Sadly kids of African appearance are over represented in the statistics... current case a 17 yera old 57 offences while on bail, given bail again... there is no sense to justice in victoria.
 
it is not just UHPVs it is the v6s and v8s and the idiots behind the wheels of them as they also push the car to the max so clamp down on them as well and nowadays you can add things to the computer to make it go faster !!
Do not lump us all into the category of 'Idiots', I have a V8 Mercedes and V8 Jeep Cherokee Overland, neither of which are 'pushed to the max' and by the way, we are in our late 60's .....
 
Sadly kids of African appearance are over represented in the statistics... current case a 17 yera old 57 offences while on bail, given bail again... there is no sense to justice in victoria.
same applies to youth offenders in Qld.....
 
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.??
There is no restrictions whatsoever placed on motorcycles, trikes and buses, according to the SDC previous article linked in today's article.
 
One 15 year old girl was killed by an "out of control" Lamborghini in 2019.

Five people were killed by an "out of control" BMW X Series at Daylesford, Victoria in 2023.

May as well make the same blanket licence decision on BMW drivers, based on this knee jerk reaction by the South Australian government.

But....but....but....the most powerful BMW X series model is lucky to hit 150 kW per tonne! Make good boat anchors though!
 
  • Haha
Reactions: deni67 and magpie1
One 15 year old girl was killed by an "out of control" Lamborghini in 2019.

Five people were killed by an "out of control" BMW X Series at Daylesford, Victoria in 2023.

May as well make the same blanket licence decision on BMW drivers, based on this knee jerk reaction by the South Australian government.

But....but....but....the most powerful BMW X series model is lucky to hit 150 kW per tonne! Make good boat anchors though!
"...Five people were killed by an "out of control" BMW X Series at Daylesford, Victoria in 2023..."

The cause of this accident was the driver experiencing an unexpected medical episode, not reckless driving. There's a huge difference between the two.
 
Very little “training” involved. Log on: answer a few questions and pay the fee. There’s your UHPV licence. No driving a vehicle involved. Just as well normal licences aren’t that easy to get.
who on earth thinks up these stupid ideas!!
 
"...Five people were killed by an "out of control" BMW X Series at Daylesford, Victoria in 2023..."

The cause of this accident was the driver experiencing an unexpected medical episode, not reckless driving. There's a huge difference between the two.
Bullshit!. This Swale wanker did suffer a TOTALLY preventable medical episode. It should have been prevented IF he took any notice of his blood sugar monitoring warnings.
 
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Maybe because many seniors are the ones these cars are affordable for we are not all on walking frames.
I drive a Dual Cab BT50 4x4, a 3 litre 4 cylinder 2011 model,it's done 328,000Kms.
When it finally dies I will buy another BT50 4x4
This goes where those high powered LOOK AT ME toys can't go.
That vehicle has taken me round Australia,mostly on dirt tracks or make your own.
And it's a lot more fun. 🛻 🛻😸😸
 
on line course that's really going to make these drivers able to handle these cars is it
You need to counter in the fact that these online tests are not always in English.

Get your own version on request. Swahili, Inuit, Martian - the language of your choice.

Meanwhile, all Australian road signage is in ENGLISH!
 
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Anyone have the list ,, 200 makes on the list ! I call bullshit
you need a V12 Lamborghini to get near the power to weight ratio !
there are many which are just V8
most Ferrari’s don’t have that power to weight ratio
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Veggiepatch
A tesla electric will get you to 100kmhr in just 3.5 seconds and they are not even listed as being in the group...
Just about every Tesla on sale in Australia does not exceed the power to weight ratio limit of 276 kW per tonne.

A higher power to weight ratio does not always equate to high acceleration or top speed. But it helps!

I would rather be hit by a Ferrari F40 than a RAM 1500 travelling at the same speed.
 

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