New licence class for high-powered vehicles in South Australia

• New licence class introduced in SA
• The new rules will come into effect in December 
• READ MORE: Adelaide grandfather killed in horror car pile-up

Drivers of extremely powerful cars in South Australia will be required to obtain a new class of licence, the first of its kind in the nation.

The training course for the U-class licence, compulsory for drivers of ultra-high powerful vehicles (UHPVs) from December 1, was launched on Monday.

The licence category was created after the death of 15-year-old Adelaide girl Sophia Naismith, who was struck and killed by a Lamborghini Huracan in 2019.

The interactive online course is designed to better educate drivers on the increased risks posed by these vehicles, including understanding features that differ from normal vehicles and the specific laws related to UHPVs.

The course also highlights the danger of risk-taking behaviour in powerful vehicles and the penalties for disabling driver assistance systems, with quizzes designed to reinforce vital road safety messages prior to a final assessment.

A UHPV is defined as any vehicle, other than a bus, motor bike or motor trike, with a gross vehicle mass of up to 4.5 tonnes, that has a power to weight ratio of 276 kilowatts per tonne or more.

Full car licence holders are eligible to obtain a U-class licence.

Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the government was compelling drivers to take responsibility and be aware of the additional risks that come with driving a UHPV.

'Given these risks, it's crucial that we can influence driver behaviour but also ensure that our authorities are empowered to prosecute individuals who endanger the lives of others,' he said.