High powered vehicle restrictions that apply if you obtained your probationary licence before 1 July 2007

Drivers who were issued a probationary licence prior to 1 July 2007 may drive a vehicle if it is not a high powered vehicle as defined by either definition. If a vehicle is defined as high powered under one definition but not the other, it may be driven.

Definition of a high powered vehicle (prior to 1 July 2007)

• a power to mass ratio which exceeds 125 kilowatts per tonne; or
• an engine capacity which exceeds 3.5 litres per tonne of the unladen mass (tare) of the motor vehicle

Definition of a high powered vehicle (from 1 July 2007)

Check if your car is high powered under the old definition

If you are a probationary licence holder, it is your responsibility to make sure that any vehicle you drive is not a high powered motor vehicle.

You can:

• check with the manufacturer for engine power and vehicle weight information; and
• calculate the capacity to weight ratio

If your car is modified, you may also need to obtain an engineer's certificate and do your own calculations. You are also required to notify VicRoads of any significant modification. Penalties for not doing so are tough.

Calculating the capacity to weight ratio

• Capacity to weight ratio is the capacity in litres divided by the weight in tonnes
• Power to weight ratio is the power in kw divided by the weight in tonnes.

For the calculations, weight is specified in tonnes (1000kg = 1 tonne); capacity is specified in litres (1000ml = 1 litre); power is specified in kilowatts (kw) and is measured at the engine flywheel.

The weight of a vehicle is the unladen mass specified by the manufacturer for the stock standard vehicle (without options).For example, if a V8 vehicle weighs 1382kg with a power rating of 185kw, then the power to weight ratio is: 185/1382 x 1000 = 130kw per tonne. This vehicle would therefore be considered a high powered vehicle, because it is over 125 kw per tonne.

You can calculate the power to weight ratio of a vehicle using this power to weight ratio calculator.

Penalties

From 1 July 2007 the penalty for driving a high powered vehicle is three demerit points and a maximum fine of approximately $1100. These penalties apply to both the current power to weight restrictions and the new high powered vehicles restrictions.

More Information:

High Powered Vehicle Restrictions

New Alcohol Interlock Provisions

The Graduated Licensing System

Information for Learner Drivers

Information for P1 Probationary Drivers

Information for P2 Probationary Drivers

A summary of key changes for Learner and Probationary Drivers

Frequently asked question for the Graduated Licensing System