Australia Introduces Special Licence for Driving Supercars: Will the UK Follow Suit?

Are you a fan of supercars and high-performance vehicles? Well, you might soon need a special licence to drive one, as the Australian government has introduced a new program that the UK is considering adopting. Starting December 1, 2024, South Australian law will require a U-Class (Ultra-High Performance Vehicle) driving license for anyone wanting to drive a vehicle producing over 370bhp per tonne. This means that popular sports and supercars like the Ferrari 296 GTB, Porsche 991 Turbo S, McLaren Artura, and Caterham Seven 420 will require this special licence.

To obtain the UHPV driving licence, you’ll need to apply online, pay a fee, and complete an online course. The course covers the safe operation of UHPVs and explains features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC). While it doesn’t require an additional driving test, it aims to educate drivers on handling the significant changes in acceleration, braking, and cornering that come with driving high-performance vehicles.

IAM RoadSmart, a driving safety charity, supports the idea of a UHPV driving licence. They believe that teaching drivers more tailored skills for handling supercars is worthy of consideration in the UK. In fact, steps toward Graduated Driving Licences are already underway in the UK, with a bill introduced to prevent newly-qualified drivers from carrying young passengers for the first six months. This initiative is supported by organizations like the RAC and bereaved parents’ group Forget-me-not Families Uniting, who believe it could save lives.

So, what do you think? Would a UHPV driving licence be a good idea in the UK? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And stay tuned for updates on this exciting development in the world of supercars and driving regulations.

By Mathilda Bartholomew | July 11, 2024