Probationary Prohibited Vehicles FAQs : VicRoads

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Probationary prohibited vehicles FAQs

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What does each probationary vehicle status mean?

Approved
This vehicle is an approved probationary vehicle. No application is required.

Banned
This vehicle is a probationary prohibited vehicle.

Application Required
From 6 July 2009, drivers issued with a probationary licence on or after 1 July 2007 may drive some lower performance turbocharged or supercharged vehicles. The definition of a lower performance turbocharged or supercharged vehicle is a vehicle with 6 cylinders or less that is:

  • turbocharged or supercharged with a power to weight ratio of less than 100kW per tonne
  • turbocharged or supercharged with a power to weight ratio between 100kW and 125kW per tonne and that is considered to be a family type vehicle (4 seats or more) rather than a sports type vehicle. A family type vehicle is a sedan, station wagon or hatch normally used to carry families/passengers with 4 or more seats and are equipped with child restraint anchorages. A family type vehicle does not include a sports car (two door coupe).


Under Review

This vehicle is a newly released or newly updated vehicle and has not yet been assessed. If you are unsure about the eligibility of this vehicle please complete an Application to drive a Lower Performance Supercharged/Turbocharged vehicle [PDF 104KB] form.


What are the criteria for a probationary prohibited vehicle?
A probationary prohibited vehicle is a vehicle that:

  • has an engine with eight cylinders or more, or
  • has an engine that is turbocharged or supercharged (except diesel vehicles, all Smart models, Suzuki Cappucino and Daihatsu Copen). 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
  • 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.

The vehicle I wish to purchase/drive is not listed on the website, is it a probationary approved vehicle?
VicRoads has sourced all vehicle data contained on this webpage from Red Book in an effort to provide the probationary vehicle status of as many vehicles as possible. VicRoads is unable to provide a probationary vehicle status for grey imports and some pre-1983 vehicles due to the availability of data. If a vehicle is not listed on this webpage then it will be considered as a probationary prohibited vehicle if the vehicle:

  • has an engine with eight cylinders or more; or
  • has an engine that is turbocharged or supercharged regardless of the vehicles power to weight ratio (except diesel vehicles); or
  • 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.

I am unsure of the exact model and/or variant of the vehicle I wish to purchase/drive, what should I do?
You must be able to accurately identify the vehicle as the probationary vehicle status will apply to the exact make, model and variant. If you are unsure you should speak to a friend or family member that has a good knowledge of vehicles, a mechanic or a car dealer.

What is considered to be a family type vehicle?
A vehicle will be considered as a family type vehicle if the vehicle is a sedan, station wagon or hatch normally used to carry family/passengers with 4 or more seats. A family vehicle does not include a sports car (two door coupe). In addition, if the vehicle is fitted with a supercharger/turbocharger that has been added to increase performance over and above the base model variant then this vehicle will be considered as a sports type vehicle. For example, a supercharged Holden Commodore sedan that has a power to weight ratio of 110kW/tonne will be considered as a sports type vehicle if there is a base model which is naturally aspirated (no turbocharger or supercharger).

Can probationary licence holders drive imported vehicles?
Yes, providing the vehicle is not considered to be a probationary prohibited vehicle.

Can probationary licence holders drive an ‘Approved’ probationary vehicle that has had its engine modified?
No, probationary drivers cannot drive a vehicle that 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).

Can I drive a vehicle that has an ‘Application Required’ status before I receive a reply from VicRoads?
No, you must await for notification from VicRoads advising as to whether the vehicle is exempt.

Can I submit an application form whilst I am a holder of a Lerner Permit?
No, an application will only be considered if you are a holder of a Probationary Licence.

Are there any restrictions for Learner Permit holders?
No. There are no prohibited vehicles for learner licence holders.

Are there any restrictions for motorcycles?
Yes. There are restrictions under the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS).

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