South Australia has announced an exciting update to its driving license framework with the introduction of the U-Class license. This new category, based on a vehicle's power-to-weight ratio, aims to improve road safety, promote responsible driving, and ensure that drivers have the skills and experience necessary to handle high-performance vehicles.
Antonella Abbate • 4 December 2024
South Australia Introduces U-Class Driving License
A New Era in Road Safety
What is the U-Class License?
The U-Class license is specifically designed for drivers who wish to operate vehicles with a high power-to-weight ratio. This ratio measures a vehicle’s performance potential by dividing its engine power (measured in kilowatts) by its weight (in kilograms). High ratios often indicate vehicles with greater acceleration and handling capabilities, which can be more challenging to control.
This new category introduces an additional layer of regulation, ensuring drivers possess the knowledge, experience, and skills required to safely operate these vehicles.
Why is the U-Class License Necessary?
Safety First:
High-performance vehicles are increasingly popular, but their power and speed can pose risks if not handled responsibly. The U-Class ensures that only capable drivers can access these vehicles, reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by inexperience or misuse.
Encouraging Responsible Driving:
By requiring additional training and assessments, the U-Class license promotes responsible driving behaviors and reduces the risks associated with operating powerful vehicles.
Adapting to Automotive Advances:
With advancements in automotive engineering, even smaller vehicles can now deliver high power outputs. The U-Class ensures that licensing keeps pace with these innovations.
Eligibility for the U-Class License
To qualify for a U-Class license, applicants must:
Hold a valid South Australian driver's license for a minimum of three years.
Complete an approved high-performance vehicle training course.
Pass a practical driving test designed for high-performance vehicles.
The training focuses on understanding the dynamics of high-powered vehicles, hazard perception, and advanced vehicle control techniques.
Vehicles Under the U-Class Category
Vehicles eligible for the U-Class are defined by a power-to-weight ratio exceeding 130 kilowatts per tonne. This includes:
High-performance sedans and coupes.
Sports cars and some luxury vehicles.
Modified vehicles meeting the power-to-weight threshold.
A detailed list of vehicles requiring a U-Class license is available on the South Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport website.
Impact on Current Drivers
Existing license holders who operate vehicles that now fall under the U-Class category must upgrade their license by completing the required training and testing. Transitional provisions are in place to give drivers adequate time to comply with the new regulations.
Benefits of the U-Class License
Enhanced Safety: With better-trained drivers on the road, the risk of high-speed accidents is expected to decrease.
Improved Road Skills: Drivers will gain advanced skills that can be applied to everyday driving, improving overall road safety.
Protecting Road Users: The new category ensures that all road users share a safer driving environment.
Conclusion
The introduction of the U-Class license is a progressive step toward aligning South Australia's driving regulations with modern vehicle capabilities. By ensuring that only trained and responsible drivers can handle high-performance vehicles, the U-Class category promises safer roads for everyone.
For more information on how to upgrade to a U-Class license, visit the South Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport website or contact your nearest licensing center.
Tickets are now on sale for Wire & Gas 2026, with VASA and The Automotive Technician (TaT) confirming a full three-day programme at The Westin Brisbane from 31 July to 2 August. The event, co-hosted for the first time by both organisations under the theme ‘Better Together’, brings together automotive air-conditioning technicians, auto electricians and thermal management specialists from across Australia and New Zealand for training, networking and industry updates. VASA and TaT members can register for $995 + GST, with non-member tickets priced at $1,195 + GST. A Social Pass covering the Friday cocktail party and trade show plus the Saturday Gala Awards Dinner is available for $349 + GST. Non-members have the option to purchase discounted VASA or TaT membership at registration to unlock member pricing and ongoing benefits. VASA President Brett Meads said the TaT partnership had raised the bar for what Wire & Gas could deliver. “TaT and VASA have a long history of collaboration and share a common goal: supporting automotive technicians and workshop owners to build their skills and grow their businesses,” Mr Meads said. “By combining our networks and expertise, we can deliver a bigger, better Wire & Gas with high-quality training, new topics and more opportunities for technicians to connect with their peers and industry partners. “This is what ‘Better Together’ is all about.” Programme at a glance Friday 31 July: Opening Night The event opens with a cocktail party and trade show, followed by a panel discussion marking the launch of the updated Australian Automotive Air Conditioning Code of Practice. Panellists include Kylie Farrelley (Refrigerant Reclaim Australia), Dr Greg Picker (Refrigerants Australia / Australian Refrigeration Council), Lesley Yates (AAAA) and Jeff Smit (TaT). Saturday 1 August: Technical Training The full-day technical programme features four in-depth 1.5-hour sessions, with a trade show running during morning tea and lunch: ● Clint Flower: Diagnosing modern automotive HVAC systems ● Clinton Brett: AdBlue (SCR) emissions-control technology for diesel vehicles ● Brendan Sorensen: 48V to BEV: Electrified Diagnostic Triage Framework ● Scott Thomas: Vehicle Security Systems: A Workshop Guide The Saturday evening Gala Awards Dinner will feature live acoustic music, the REDARC Young Technician of the Year Award, the VASA Grant Hand Industry Mentor Award, the VASA Pioneer Award and a race sim champion and trade show prize draw. More awards are to be announced. Sunday 2 August: Seminars The closing half-day covers business and industry topics, with sessions from Lesley Yates on best practices and industry cohesion, Jeff Smit on the EV and hybrid market from an aftermarket perspective, a refrigerant and regulation panel with Kylie Farrelley and Dr Greg Picker, and Geoff Mutton on enhancing workshop productivity. TaT co-founder Jeff Smit said the programme reflected the combined training strengths of both organisations. “Wire & Gas has established itself as the must-attend event for the auto electrical and air-conditioning trades, and we’re thrilled to be joining forces with VASA to take it to the next level,” Mr Smit said. “TaT will be bringing our training expertise, presenter network and broad membership base to the table, with a focus on delivering practical, hands-on sessions that attendees can take straight back to the workshop. “We’re looking forward to welcoming both VASA and TaT members, and the broader industry, to Brisbane in July.” Accommodation VASA has negotiated special room rates for Wire & Gas attendees at The Westin Brisbane at $325 per night (room only, super king or twin) and the adjoining Four Points by Sheraton at $225 per night (room only, king or twin). Optional extras include breakfast ($30 per person at The Westin; $25 at Four Points), a rollaway bed for $80 per night, and valet parking at $60 per vehicle per day. All accommodation prices include GST. Discounted rates are valid for three days before and after the event, subject to availability. Cool Mavericks book signing Authors Mark Mitchell and Ken Newton will be signing copies of Cool Mavericks, which traces the evolution of automotive air-conditioning and the pioneers who shaped it. Books will also be available for purchase or collection at the event. Sponsors and exhibitors With the combined reach of the VASA and TaT networks, sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are expected to fill quickly. Organisations wanting to connect with the calibre of automotive repair professionals Wire & Gas is known for attracting should contact Jill Johnson at jj@jkjmedia.com.au or on 0409 217 624. Tickets and accommodation can be booked at WireAndGas.com
The Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers (IAME) wishes to advise members and industry partners that Mr Peter Blanshard is no longer employed by the IAME , effective 7 July 2026 . The Board wishes to extend its best wishes to him for the future. The Board has enacted transition arrangements to ensure continuity across all operational areas, including member services, supplier and industry partnerships, RTO operations, and government engagement. Redirecting Communications To ensure enquiries are directed appropriately and responded to promptly, members and stakeholders are asked to redirect any communication previously addressed to the CEO to the following contact: IAME Auburn Office (NSW) unit 5, 340 Chisholm Road Auburn NSW 2144 Phone: (02) 9782 1100 Email: inbox@iame.com.au The IAME Board appreciates the cooperation and understanding of our members during this period of transition. We remain committed to delivering strong industry leadership and high‑quality support across the automotive and training sectors. Kind regards, The IAME Board
By Dean Rothapfel - Oceania Country Manager Motul Asia Pacific
