Photo: Blnguyen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
South Australia has two separate power rules that new drivers mix up. P platers under 25 must not drive a high-powered vehicle. Separately, since 1 December 2024 anyone driving an ultra high-powered vehicle in SA needs a U class licence, which learners and P platers cannot get. This guide explains both, with the definitions and penalties.
Key facts
- High-powered vehicle (HPV) ban: applies to P1 and P2 drivers under 25, unless they hold an exemption certificate.
- HPV, cars made in or after 2010: power-to-weight ratio over 130 kW per tonne, or any engine performance modification.
- Ultra high-powered vehicle (UHPV): GVM up to 4.5 tonnes and 276 kW per tonne or more (not buses, motorbikes or trikes).
- U class licence: required to drive a UHPV in SA from 1 December 2024. Only full or probationary C class (car) licence holders can apply.
- Learners may learn in an HPV with a supervisor, but never in a UHPV.
What counts as a high-powered vehicle in SA?
| Vehicle built | It is high-powered if it has |
|---|---|
| In or after 2010 | A power-to-weight ratio greater than 130 kW/t, or any modification to its engine performance |
| Before 2010 | 8 or more cylinders; a turbocharged or supercharged engine (diesels excepted); modifications to increase engine performance; or it is a nominated high-performance vehicle |
The Legal Services Commission notes the 130 kW/t figure is measured on tare mass, and that the definitions sit in regulation 4 of the Motor Vehicles Regulations 2025 (SA) or a gazette notice.
Is my car high-powered?
Do not guess from the badge. Check the car on the ezyreg website, which can tell you whether a vehicle is a high-powered or ultra high-powered vehicle. A pre-2010 turbo petrol hatchback can be caught even if it feels slow.
Who the HPV ban applies to
| Driver | Can drive an HPV? |
|---|---|
| Learner’s permit, with a qualified supervising driver | Yes, you can learn in one |
| P1 or P2, under 25 | No, unless you have an exemption certificate |
| P1 or P2, 25 or older | Yes |
| Under 25 with a full licence | Yes |
The HPV rule is a law, not a licence condition. Breaking it can bring a fine, demerit points or loss of licence. The Legal Services Commission cites the offence as section 81A(13) and (14) of the Motor Vehicles Act 1959 (SA).
Exemptions
Exemptions are granted by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. The handbook refers you to mylicence.sa.gov.au for details. Get the exemption before you drive the car.
The U class licence for ultra high-powered vehicles
A UHPV is any vehicle, other than a bus, motorbike or motor trike, with a gross vehicle mass of up to 4.5 tonnes and a power-to-weight ratio of 276 kW per tonne or more. The SA Government describes these as including some supercars and hypercars. South Australia was the first Australian state to bring in a licence class for them.
How to get a U class licence
- Hold a full (unconditional) or probationary C class car licence, or higher.
- Create a mySAGOV account and complete the online U Class Licence Course. The Legal Services Commission lists the course fee as $61; check the current fee on mylicence.sa.gov.au.
- The course covers features that differ from normal cars, UHPV laws and the danger of risk-taking, with quizzes and a final assessment.
Who cannot get a U class licence
- learner’s permit holders
- provisional (P1 or P2) licence holders
- people who hold only a motorbike licence
Visiting drivers can drive a UHPV in SA on their interstate C class licence.
UHPV penalties in South Australia
| Offence | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|
| Driving a UHPV without a U class licence, first offence | $2,500 |
| Same, subsequent offence | Imprisonment for 1 year |
| Driving a UHPV with its automated intervention system (such as emergency braking or stability control) disabled | $5,000 and 6 demerit points |
Figures from the Legal Services Commission Law Handbook and the SA Government (2024 to 2025).
What this means if you are on your Ps
- Under 25: check any car on ezyreg before you buy it or borrow it. A family V8 or a mate’s modified car may be off limits.
- Any age on Ps: you cannot drive a UHPV at all, because you cannot hold a U class licence until you have a full or probationary car licence.
- Your other P conditions still apply: zero alcohol, a maximum of 100 km/h, and fewer than 4 demerit points. See SA P1 rules and SA P2 licence rules.
Common questions
Can I learn to drive in a high-powered car in SA?
Yes, on your learner’s permit, because a qualified supervising driver must be with you. You cannot learn in an ultra high-powered vehicle. See SA learner permit conditions.
When does the high-powered vehicle ban end?
When you turn 25 or get your full licence, whichever comes first.
Does the ban apply on P2?
Yes. It applies to P1 and P2 drivers under 25.
Is a turbo diesel ute a high-powered vehicle?
For pre-2010 vehicles, diesel turbo engines are excluded. For 2010 and later vehicles, the 130 kW/t test and any engine modification apply. Check the vehicle on ezyreg.
What is the difference between 130 kW/t and 276 kW/t?
130 kW/t is the high-powered threshold for the under-25 P plate ban. 276 kW/t is the ultra high-powered threshold that needs a U class licence.
Can I lose my licence for driving a high-powered car on my Ps?
The handbook lists penalties such as fines, demerit points or loss of licence for breaking P plate laws. See losing your licence in SA.
Back to the main guide: learning to drive in South Australia. Compare states: P plate rules in every Australian state.
Sources
- Government of South Australia, Department for Infrastructure and Transport, “The Driver’s Handbook (MR200, February 2026)” (mylicence.sa.gov.au)
- Legal Services Commission of South Australia, “Ultra high powered vehicle licences”, Law Handbook (lawhandbook.sa.gov.au)
- Government of South Australia, “SA first state to adopt ultra-high powered vehicle licence” (weare.sa.gov.au)