South Australia is introducing a new U-class licence for drivers of ultra-high powered vehicles (UHPVs), effective December 1st, 2024. This Australian-first initiative requires drivers to complete a mandatory online training course to obtain the licence. UHPVs are defined as vehicles with a gross vehicle mass up to 4.5 tonnes and a power-to-weight ratio of 370bhp per tonne or more, excluding buses, motorcycles, and motor trikes.

Whilst the media focus will be on ICE supercars, those more savvy with power to weight rations will recognise that the more extreme EVs will get caught by this categorisation too. The new Audi e-tron GT RS has 845bhp for example.

The course will be online (!) and educates drivers on:

• Additional risks posed by UHPVs
• Unique features of these vehicles
• Specific laws related to UHPVs
• Dangers of risk-taking behaviour
• The penalties for disabling driver assistance systems

This initiative is part of a suite of reforms introduced following the tragic death of Sophia Naismith, a 15-year-old girl struck by a Lamborghini Huracan in 2019. Other new measures include:

• An offence for causing death or serious harm by careless vehicle use, with penalties up to seven years in jail and a minimum three-year licence disqualification.
• Enhanced powers for SA Police to immediately suspend licences after serious crashes.
• Fines up to $5000 and six demerit points for disabling automated intervention systems in UHPVs.

Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis emphasized the importance of influencing driver behavior and empowering authorities to prosecute those endangering lives.

The U-class licence will be mandatory for all existing and new UHPV drivers in South Australia from December 1st 2024. This reform aims to enhance road safety by ensuring UHPV drivers are well-informed about the risks and responsibilities associated with operating powerful vehicles.