A probationary driver must not drive a probationary prohibited vehicle on the road.

The definition of a probationary prohibited vehicle changed on 1 July 2007. A driver who obtained a probationary licence prior to 1 July 2007 can drive a vehicle that is prohibited under the new definition, provided it is not prohibited under the old definition, as defined below.

A driver who obtained a probationary licence on or after 1 July 2007 can drive a vehicle, provided it is not prohibited as defined by the new definition only.

Definition of probationary prohibited vehicle (from 1 July 2007)

A vehicle that: has an engine with eight cylinders or more, or has an engine that is turbocharged or supercharged (except those listed in the probationary vehicle database). There are also some lower powered turbocharged or supercharged vehicles which have been exempted and can be operated by a probationary driver who has been given an exemption by VicRoads. Refer to lower performance turbocharged or supercharged vehicles and the probationary vehicle database for more information has an engine that has been modified to increase the vehicle's performance (other than a modification made by the manufacturer in the course of the manufacture of the vehicle, or a nominated high performance six cylinder engine (refer to the probationary vehicle database).

The probationary vehicle database contains a searchable list of vehicles that probationary drivers may and may not drive. Please refer to this database to determine if you can drive a specific vehicle, or need to obtain an exemption to drive a specific vehicle.

Exemption to drive a probationary prohibited vehicle

1. Automatic Exemption
The Road Safety (Drivers) Regulations 2009, automatically exempt a probationary driver, from the probationary prohibited vehicle restrictions, who is driving the vehicle in the course of his or her employment and at his or her employer’s request or is self employed and an Australian Business Number (ABN) is in force in relation to the person's business. No exemption document is required from VicRoads in these circumstances. However, the onus is on the driver to provide evidence to the police if requested.

A person is not permitted to drive the vehicle at any time for social reasons or reasons unrelated to work. In these cases the onus is upon the driver to provide evidence to the police that his or her driving is work connected.

A member of the police force who is the holder of a probationary car licence and the holder of an approved Driver Certificate Endorsement for a vehicle of that class is authorised to drive a probationary prohibited vehicle in the course of duty.  No exemption document is required from VicRoads.


2. Exemption from the probationary prohibited vehicle restriction where hardship must be demonstrated
Exemptions may only be granted by VicRoads if the nature of the person’s occupation, essential activities or family circumstances is such that compliance with the restrictions would cause undue hardship on the person or the person’s family. In considering an exemption, VicRoads must also have regard to the likely effect of the exemption on safe, efficient and equitable road use in Victoria.

If an exemption is issued, it will be made conditional for a specific vehicle and will include conditions and restrictions on how and when the vehicle can be used. This information will be sent to the probationary driver in writing and must be carried by the driver at all times when driving the probationary prohibited vehicle.

VicRoads may cancel an exemption if the probationary driver's licence is cancelled or suspended.
Refer to the probationary vehicle database before seeking an exemption, as a vehicle may not require a hardship exemption if the vehicle is exempt because of low powered turbocharged or supercharged conditions.


3. Exemption from the probationary prohibited vehicle restriction for Ford Ecoboost vehicles with a Power to Mass Ratio identifier on the built date plate
Regulation 56(4)(c) of the Road Safety (Drivers) Regulations 2009, states that VicRoads, by notice published in the Government Gazette, may declare that a vehicle, other than a vehicle with an engine having 8 cylinders or more, is not a probationary prohibited vehicle.

VicRoads has used this power to declare that the EcoBoost Ford Falcon XT Sedan, G6 Sedan and G6E Sedan are not probationary prohibited vehicles, provided that:

• The vehicle's power mass ratio is clearly marked on the vehicle’s built date plate or label by the phrase “PMR xxx” where “xxx” is the power output of the vehicle measured in kilowatts per tonne;
• The power mass ratio of the vehicle as marked on the vehicle’s built date plate or label is not more than 130 kW per tonne.

Accordingly, a probationary licensed driver wishing to drive the Ford Ecoboost does not need to apply for a low powered turbocharged or supercharged exemption or a hardship exemption, provided the vehicle is fitted with this plate.

The pictures below show the location of the built date plate on the Ford Ecoboost models and the Power to Mass Ratio (PMR) identifier.

Below: the red arrow indicates the location of the built date plate.




Below: Power to Mass Ratio identifier on the built date plate.