Drivers of six popular cars could face new 'supercar' driving licences

Drivers could face new supercar driving licences that would turn the UK into a 'nanny state'. Drivers could follow Australia's lead by introducing a special licence for supercar drivers, as the state of South Australia prepares to launch its pioneering scheme.

The new "U-Class" licence will be mandatory for drivers of ultra-high-performance vehicles producing more than 375hp per ton. Drivers of UHPVs in the state of South Australia must hold the special licence from 1 December or face a fine of up to £1,288 ($2,500). The penalty for subsequent offences is a year in prison.

Under the new law, UHPV drivers who disable safety systems such as anti-lock braking, autonomous emergency braking, electronic stability control or traction control systems can be fined up to £2,576 ($5,000). The South Australian government claims drivers following the course learn: “How to safely operate an UHPV. The risks associated with driving an UHPV and vehicle features, such as Electronic Stability Control, Automated Emergency Braking and other automated intervention systems.”

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But one expat Brit who now lives in Australia described the country as “the ultimate nanny state”. She added: “They bring in these laws but then frequently don’t enforce them.” Director of policy and standards at IAM RoadSmart, Nicholas Lyes, said: “Supercars are very different beasts in terms of how quickly they accelerate to the car you might learn in and take your test in. People can take courses to understand how to handle supercars but they’re voluntary. Perhaps we could look at that.”

All Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren drivers will require the new licence, as well as Tesla Model S Plaid drivers and those behind the wheel of the Porsche Taycan Turbo and the Caterham Seven 420.

Driver trainer Rod Williams from P555 said: “The driving test hasn’t really kept pace with the power of cars. Some people are quite oblivious to the trouble they can get into in a very quick car, particularly an electric vehicle.

“A lot of people, especially older drivers, think of EVs as being like milk floats. Then we take them out in one and they’re really surprised. EVs are so quick and the weight is so low down it gives a false sense of confidence. Then when the cars do lose grip, they go very quickly because they’re so heavy.”