New rules for high-powered vehicles
From December, any motorist driving an ultra-high-powered vehicle (UHPV) will need a new U-Class driver’s licence.
South Australia is the first state to introduce this requirement to improve safety for UHPV drivers and other road users. It follows the tragic death of young South Australian, Sophia Naismith, in 2019, and looks to address what the State Government felt were inadequate laws for drivers causing death or serious harm to others.
For more information, read our story from last year.
What are the new rules?
From 1 December 2024, all UHPV drivers must hold a U-Class licence if their vehicle weighs less than 4.5 tonnes and has a power-to-weight ratio of 276kW per tonne or more. Vehicles in this category are often called supercars or hypercars and include the likes of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. However, modified vehicles are also included if they fall within the above criteria.
It’s the driver’s responsibility to determine whether their vehicle is a UHPV, and they can check here to find out. Other options are arranging a dyno test to calculate the power-to-weight ratio or completing the U-Class licence course to avoid doubt.
How to get a U-Class licence
To apply for a U-Class licence, UHPV drivers must complete an online training course. The course includes topics on safely operating a UHPV, the associated risks of driving a UHPV, and interventionist safety features such as electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and autonomous emergency braking (AEB).
How to access the training
The online-only course requires a mySAGOV account and is available now. Enrolees can visit mySAGOV account to create an account or to sign in if they already have one.
The course includes multiple-choice questions and quizzes and is assessed online. After passing the course, UHPV drivers can apply for a U-Class licence. The course costs $81, which includes an administrative fee and a replacement licence fee.
What are the penalties?
From the start of December, anyone caught driving a UHPV without a U-Class licence will incur a maximum penalty of $2500 for a first offence. Subsequent offences will incur a penalty of imprisonment for one year.
How do I find more information?
You’ll find a list of frequently asked questions on the State Government’s mylicence website.