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.
 

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
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
So far it’s only in South Australia, and if you do the calculations, there aren’t many cars at all that will have that power !
most Ferrari don’t .
if you rang dept of motor vehicles here in Regency Park , SA PH 131 084,,,,, they can advise you
 
Absolute bullshit, just another revenue raising scam initiated by the government.
All vehicles can reach speeds well over 100kph,so there is no difference being killed by a Lamborghini or a Suzuki Swift !!
If you are not an experienced or competent driver,it makes no difference what vehicle you are driving,to cause a fatality by hitting someone at high speed.
 
  • Like
Reactions: deni67 and Rickcb63
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
Try a Ferrari 458, F430, 812, 599XX, F8, Monza SP, P5, 488, 296, SF90, FXX, F50 and probably a bunch more. All these cars are road registrable. Whether anybody in Australia own all of these models is not known.

The number of cylinders mean SFA.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chicky
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 !!
Unfortunately,,,,you can’t stop stupid ! The idiot with the lambo , is exactly that, put him in a commodore and nothing would be different!
 
  • Like
Reactions: deni67 and Chicky
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.
Not for our roads in NSW. They would scrap the bottom of their cars and the pot holes would be deadly 😕.
 
So, pay the money allows me to be a danger in a fast car?
It’s the drivers behind the wheel of any car that are the problem. I’ll never understand why the manufacturers make these cars so they can be driven above the fastest speed limit permitted.
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×