In yet another example of the state interfering in everyday life and inconveniencing hundreds for the stupid actions of a few, South Australia is pushing ahead with its plan to introduce a special licence for supercars. Fortunately, it doesn’t appear to have caught on elsewhere.
The introduction of a new licence class for ultra-high-performance cars in South Australia has failed to gain support in other states.
From 1 December 2024, South Australian licence holders will be required to have a ‘U-Class’ endorsement if behind the wheel of an ultra-high-performance vehicle – defined as having a power-to-weight ratio of at least 276kW per tonne (1000kg). (We wonder how the companies who arrange days or tours behind the wheel of a supercar will get around it.)
While a spokesperson for the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning suggested an open mind, they stopped short of ruling a similar U-class licence in or out.
“We’re always investigating new ways of keeping road users safe,” he said. (Actually, they’re always looking for ways of increasing revenue.)
However, the New South Wales government confirmed there were no plans currently to introduce such a licence for ultra-high-performance cars.
“The NSW government has no current plans to introduce a U-class licence but looks forward to the evaluation of the South Australian initiative,” a transport spokesperson for NSW said.
“To implement [U-class] licences in NSW, full consideration of the benefits and risks would be required,” he added. (Which tends to indicate that NSW thinks SA hasn’t fully considered the benefits and risks.)
“The Queensland government notes the recent announcement of ultra-high-powered vehicle licences being introduced in South Australia,” said a spokesperson for Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads, pointing out restrictions apply to all P1 and P2 provisional licence holders under the age of 25.
“High-powered vehicle restrictions for young, novice drivers ensure they can develop their driving skills in a lower risk environment, while still allowing those with an open licence holder, with more driving experience, freedom when it comes to purchasing and driving a vehicle of their choosing.”
“This approach is broadly consistent with other Australian jurisdictions, including New South Wales and Victoria.”
“Queensland is not considering expanding high-powered vehicle restrictions at this time.”
Rather than receiving additional driver training, those in South Australia wishing to obtain a U-class licence simply have to complete an online course designed to highlight the risks of driving a high-powered car. Naturally, the cost of the course is at their own expense.
Additionally, the state has introduced laws banning drivers from deliberately disabling ‘automated intervention systems’ – including electronic stability control (ECS) and traction control – on ultra-high-performance vehicles, or face fines of up to $5000.
This article first appearing on Senior Driver Aus.
Do you think a special licence category is necessary for these types of cars? Or are they rare enough that it’s not worth the trouble? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
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What a stupid idea because these days even small cars are high-powered and most people who so-called super high-powered cars don’t drive like idiots because these cars cost more than a standard car what really needs to be done is to come up with a governor that can’t be tampered with by the general public and can only be adjusted by an authorised vehicle inspector. Also, there needs to be more control over these so-called driving instructors because a lot of them only teach the new driver enough to get their license.
So, because “most people who [drive] so-called super high-powered cars don’t drive like idiots”, we should ignore a way of reducing the road toll ?
In a questionnaire, 85% of drivers considered themselves ‘above average’.
The ‘non-biased’ experts in the field know that our ‘driving tests’ are not adequate today;*** consequently, most drivers learn to drive after they get their licence.
Most drivers are ‘habit drivers’; those (rare) ones who ‘think drive’ are not a major problem.
If the majority are not controlled by legislation/enforcement, they will continue their carnage on our roads.
*** The NSW gov. has been ignoring facts/statistics for decades.
Advanced (‘Safe’) Driving Instructor