P-plate drivers driving powerful cars.

[bloan]

This may have been already talked about?

Just got in contact with Vicroads about wether or not the Turbo can be driven by P-plate drivers. The answer is no. Based on their maxium of 125kw/ Tonne the Turbo comes out at approx. 140 kw/t, also noted that the 220kw V8 is also just over at 126kw/t! Will try & attach a complete list of banned cars asap.

[NYOPA]

I think this is a great idea... I hadn't heard of it before.

I think the KW/ Tonne should be even lower... after all when I got my bike license

I was restricted to a 250cc bike for learning and P plates and that was a great way

not to kill myself and learn how to ride.

Why isn't this rule in place in NSW?

my 2 cents worth

[plonky]

I am ambivalent in the power to weight ratio.

The only argument I would have towards restricing the power to weight ratio is that where the high powered car is quicker to overcome the traction of tyres in a panic situation. Example where by an inexperienced driver gets into a front, four or rear wheel skid and by attempting to power out of it, the increased power causes more trouble than good.

I also agree with the fact that a high powered car can accelerate from point to point quicker - most young hoodlums line up each other at the lights and drag. They may be able to control the acceleration but judging distance is a skill that is learned and as such knowing when to decelerate so as to not run into the back of something is easier in a slower car.

This is the reason why I like the 660cc limit for learners in NSW (it used to be 250 but now includes some approved 660cc cycles)

The thing I don't like with the power to weight is that most injury collisions occur at speeds LESS than the posted limits. Generally this is by disobeying traffic lights or Stop Signs where a collision occurs.

I don;t like the fact that the majority of young drivers (even though they are impressionable and subject to peer pressure) are sensible and shouldnt be discriminated against.

The focus should be more on P plate curfews and limiting the P plater to carrying only immediate family around in the car. Peer pressure turns an intelligent and reasonable young man into an imbecile when he's driving a car load of mates who are egging him on. I know, I did the same thing when I was on my P's.

[tab]

Personally I feel that more focus needs to be placed on the licensing system. Take the learner permit setup for example - answer a few multiple guess questions and your done. Even though you can only drive under supervision this is hardly an adequate safeguard.

Although it is a very touchy subject I don't think that anyone should be allowed on the public roads without successfully completing a defensive driving course. Look at the worst driver tv shows that are on from time to time, I know these are obviously the worst drivers that the producers could come across but I bet it is a fair cross section of the general public.

On another note I think Brisbane is becoming renowned for harbouring the worst drivers in the country, but I read an interesting article a few months back about the Qld government thinking that they are doing the right things in making our roads safer by widening lanes etc, but in actual fact it is making drivers lazy and having the opposite effect.

Anyway, that’ll do for now.

Trent.

[RAPHOON]

  tab said:

Although it is a very touchy subject I don't think that anyone should be allowed on the public roads without successfully completing a defensive driving course.

I agree.

In Scandinavia, for example, learners have to attend classes (both theory & practical) as well as pass practical driving tests in winter and summer.

Whilst this doesn't stop stupidity, it arms all new drivers with more car control skills than your standard driving school scenario in Australia.

[Blown BA]

  plonky said:

I am ambivalent in the power to weight ratio.

The only argument I would have towards restricing the power to weight ratio is that where the high powered car is quicker to overcome the traction of tyres in a panic situation. Example where by an inexperienced driver gets into a front, four or rear wheel skid and by attempting to power out of it, the increased power causes more trouble than good.

I also agree with the fact that a high powered car can accelerate from point to point quicker - most young hoodlums line up each other at the lights and drag. They may be able to control the acceleration but judging distance is a skill that is learned and as such knowing when to decelerate so as to not run into the back of something is easier in a slower car.

This is the reason why I like the 660cc limit for learners in NSW (it used to be 250 but now includes some approved 660cc cycles)

The thing I don't like with the power to weight is that most injury collisions occur at speeds LESS than the posted limits. Generally this is by disobeying traffic lights or Stop Signs where a collision occurs.

I don;t like the fact that the majority of young drivers (even though they are impressionable and subject to peer pressure) are sensible and shouldnt be discriminated against.

The focus should be more on P plate curfews and limiting the P plater to carrying only immediate family around in the car. Peer pressure turns an intelligent and reasonable young man into an imbecile when he's driving a car load of mates who are egging him on. I know, I did the same thing when I was on my P's.

For the 2nd time l agree with you there plonky...

[bloan]

With regard to education wouldn't it be prudent to actually include a compulsory driving education program both in theory & practical I.e. car maintenance, driving, laws & road rules etc. in the schools!!!!

[JB]

I agree with Plonky and George, however having driven since a young age and having raced I believe that as part of obtaining your P's you must complete an advanced driving course, no completion, no pass.

People complain about the cost, and the time taken but if you think about it, it is a day or two in your life, to obtain the ability to legally drive on the road for the rest of your life! How important is it to you and how seriously do you take the responsibility of driving a car? People do not realise what sort of damage can be achieved at 60km/h, hence you are in charge of a vehicle which in the hands of inexperienced drivers will be come a weapon.

I really think licenses must be graded as your experience and ability increases. Truck drivers and car racers have to go through various testing to achieve certain grades of ability, why should'nt every day drivers/Riders? So if you want to drive an 8 you must complete a certain course. If you want to drive a car and trailer you have to complete a course, large 4WD same thing with pwr grades etc. Not until you pass these courses which would be indicated on your license are you able to tow, or drive a large vehicle and so on.

I really think rather than being reactive now, the government needs to also be pro-active into the future, so alot of the means now of catching drivers eventually would not be required. All you have to do is look at Germany or Sweeden etc. To me speed is a factor, only in inexperienced hands.

By the way I am no old fogey, I have been driving on public roads for only 11 years. Bear in mind, this is only my 2c.

[NYOPA]

I agree with Plonky too.

never even thought about that, but I agree peer pressure is what its all about. Take that out of the equation and there really are only the morons left, who will eventually kill themsleves anyway.. no matter what age they are.

[Buf-Phoon]

  bloan said:

With regard to education wouldn't it be prudent to actually include a compulsory driving education program both in theory & practical I.e. car maintenance, driving, laws & road rules etc. in the schools!!!!

not to forget regulatory compliance for mods :lol:

All in all it is a privelage to have a licence not a right , that is not the belief of many of todays youngsters unfortunately