Everything you need to know about the new ‘supercar license’

A new ‘supercar license’ has been introduced in Australia for all motorists who drive an ultra-high-powered vehicle or UHPV.

The new license came into effect on December 1, 2024, and applies to all motorists living in South Australia. 

Drivers of these UHPVs are also banned from turning off driving aids such as traction control and autonomous emergency braking. 

If caught driving a supercar without the new license, drivers will face fines and even jail time.

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What cars does the supercar license apply to?

Although the U Class license was only introduced this week, one Aussie Lamborghini Huracán STO driver has already found himself whacked with a fine after being found driving without one. 

The UHPV license applies to any vehicle, other than a bus, motorbike or motor trike that has a gross vehicle mass of up to 4.5 tonnes and a power-to-weight ratio of 276 kilowatts per tonne or higher – or at least 370 horsepower per metric ton.

This definition, as laid out by the Government of South Australia’s Department for Infrastructure and Transport, includes many makes and models of supercars and hypercars – such as the Huracán or the Ferrari 296 GTS.

“To keep our roads safe, a power-to-weight ratio has been determined to ensure UHPV drivers have the required skills and knowledge to drive an UHPV and hold a U class license,” the  Department for Infrastructure and Transport said. 

Motorists who are unsure if their car is officially classed as UHPV are urged to check their owner manual, or visit an online checker.

And if you’ve ever modified your car, then it’s your responsibility to know if you need the new license.

How do you apply for a UHPV license?

To apply for one of the U Class licenses, motorists living in South Australia will need to complete the U Class License Course online. 

The course is designed to show UHPV drivers how to safely operate their vehicle while also highlighting the risks associated with driving such a car. 

The course also covered the various safety features available, such as electronic stability control, automated emergency braking and other automated intervention systems.

The course costs $61AUD (USD $39) and takes around 30-45 minutes. At the end of the course, the driver will need to take a test. 

Motorists can resit the test as many times as they need for no additional cost – provided its within the same 12-month period. 

Once the driver has passed the test, they can apply for their ‘supercar license’ for $20AUD (USD $12). 

Where is the U Class license enforced?

South Australia is the first region to introduce a special UHPV license. 

As yet, other Australian regions, such as Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, are yet to announce any plans to follow suit. 

For now, if a driver in South Australia is found to be driving without the proper license, the first offense carries a maximum penalty of $2,500AUD ($1,620) and the penalty for subsequent offenses is one-year imprisonment.

Alongside that, if you’re found to be driving a UHPV with disabled driving aids, such as traction control, you can be given six demerit points and maximum fine of up to $5,000AUD ($3,222).