Exemption from VicRoads

[Franco Cozzo]

Hey guys, I'm going to try and get an exemption from P plate vehicle restrictions as I've acquired this thing:



It weighs 4082KG, but its got a diesel V8 under the hood.

I don't really want a work exemption, rather something I can drive all the time, because really it doesn't qualify as a "high powered vehicle" in my eyes, its got like 190hp at the engine when it was new.

What are my chances? I emailed VicRoads twice, and they just link me to the current vehicle restrictions.

These are the exemption laws:

If your probationary licence was issued on or after 1 July 2007, you can drive some lower performance turbocharged or supercharged vehicles. The definition of a lower performance turbocharged or supercharged vehicle is a vehicle with six cylinders or less that is:

Mentions 6 cylinders or less, unfortunately I have 8.

I've got just under a year on Ps left before I go full license, if I can't get an exemption I might just wait it out while I modify the back.

[XRGhia]

In NSW, you can drive Turbo Diesel and V8 Diesel without needing an exemption... Thought it would've been the same in Vic??

[Franco Cozzo]

Outright ban on V8s here unfortunately.

[Yellow_Festiva]

Got to love the cut and paste reply that didn't answer your question...

Last time I did that, I replied asking the exact same question and added to not use copy and paste and actually reply to the question....

Good luck!

[nstg8a]

How heavy does a truck need to be to require a mr license? Maybe get your mr and get around the rules that way?

[FGII-XR6]

LR is over 4500Kg GVM but less than 8000 Kg GVM with no limit on axles MR is over 8000 KG GVM with only 2 axles HR is same as MR but no axle restriction

Originally Posted by nstg8a

How heavy does a truck need to be to require a mr license? Maybe get your mr and get around the rules that way?

[Franco Cozzo]

I went in their office and asked two different people on two different occasions about the red flashing lights, if I could change them to amber lenses, and keep them rather than removing them all and leaving holes everywhere.

I got told the first time, that they aren't sure of the laws and that I should take them off anyway and patch up the holes.

The next time someone else told me I couldn't have amber because people would think I was SES.

Another person said to me on another time that as a P plater I couldn't have a heavy vehicle license, I'd have to be on my full license before I could go for the test, which is odd because I know of a few P platers with MR licenses.

I think it has to be over 4500kg to move up in category for higher license, also out of curiosity what is tare mean on the rego? It lists 3350kg under it, but GVM is 4082kg.

[BennyH]

The only possible way around driving it is the fact that the power to weight ratio is so low, or if you get an exemption to use the vehicle directly for work purposes. By the way, what do you intend on doing with it?

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by BennyH

The only possible way around driving it is the fact that the power to weight ratio is so low, or if you get an exemption to use the vehicle directly for work purposes. By the way, what do you intend on doing with it?

Ferry my militia around inside the back

Nah, I'd like to turn it into a man cave on wheels/camper van style thing.

I've already got an Xbox 360 for it, just need a TV, have to remove the stretcher locks and a few seats inside the back.

Its got 240V throughout it and rear aircon too.

I'll put up some more pics this weekend and my own build thread with plans and probably a video.

It moves its weight around pretty well compared to the Mercedes Sprinters, and there is lots more room available in the back of it.

[Trevor 57]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

The next time someone else told me I couldn't have amber because people would think I was SES.

dumb *****, SES have been able to run red and blue lights for years FFS, I am an ex VicSES Unit Controller, in a previous life I actually conducted a lot of training with SES people on running as emergency vehicles using red and blue lights, that was back pre-2000

I am pretty confident you could run orange lights without any compliance issues, your roadworthy bloke couldn't give a **** that is for sure, there would be nothing in the roadworthy process about orange flashing lights on the roof

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Another person said to me on another time that as a P plater I couldn't have a heavy vehicle license, I'd have to be on my full license before I could go for the test, which is odd because I know of a few P platers with MR licenses.

I think it has to be over 4500kg to move up in category for higher license, also out of curiosity what is tare mean on the rego? It lists 3350kg under it, but GVM is 4082kg.

You can get a MR licence after one year on P Plates and a HR after 2 years on P Plates BUT you don't need one to drive that and it will make no difference to the whole power to weight thing, save your money.

I wouldn't think that would conform to their determination of 'high performance'. I would make a written application to Vicroads, give all the details of the vehicle including the fact that is a V8 diesel and include photos, they will come back with an exemption I am pretty confident

[nstg8a]

I thought tare was what the basic truck weighs, and gross is what it weighs including everything.

I'm sure one of the local truckies will correct me if I'm wrong lol

[Silver Ghia]

Had a look at the Vicroads website, you are right, there appears to be no provision at all for P platers to drive V8 powered vehicles.

Absolutely ridiculous, when there are provisions for some turbo vehicles.

Many older V8's have far less performance than some modern 6's permitted.

Good luck, hopefully there is some way with getting an exemption Damo.

[BennyH]

Thats exactly right, not a problem to drive my XR6 ute with 195kw, but yet it's illegal to drive a 1999 V8 commo that used to have 179kw back in the day. The system is completely flawed.

[flappist]

Originally Posted by BennyH

Thats exactly right, not a problem to drive my XR6 ute with 195kw, but yet it's illegal to drive a 1999 V8 commo that used to have 179kw back in the day. The system is completely flawed.

It is not the performance capability of the vehicle per se, it is the mindset of those who wish to drive them.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by flappist

It is not the performance capability of the vehicle per se, it is the mindset of those who wish to drive them.

My apprentice at work (17 year old) talks about doing burnouts, drifting blah blah blah, my mate has this car that car blah blah blah.

Wants me to do burnouts in my Falcon, etc (its was their Falcon then I bought it off them).

The best moment in his old mans life was when I let him sit in the drivers seat of the Falcon, and being 6'4" tall, he couldn't comfortably sit in the drivers seat, as in not being able to drive it .

The only cars he has driven on Ls that he fits in comfortably are FWD cars and things with transverse engines.

He's a Ford kid and won't dare bring home a Holden.

I think 90% of the problem is young kids in RWD cars with that mentality.

Driving home from night school last thursday I saw a bunch of P platers on the side of Mt Alexander rd coming back from Moonee Ponds, with their Commodore up the gutter and smashed into a light pole sideways, knocking it onto the road and screwing their car and these kids looking sad at their car while the police were booking them.

[Elks]

The fundemental problem is Vicroads are idiots.

You could apply for and exemption. To to drive your lumbering hulk, including a pic.

Or buy an Ecoboost falcon that can run a 14.6 but is p plate legal. Did I mention they were idiots?

[JG66ME]

Originally Posted by Elks

The fundemental problem is Vicroads are idiots.

I can demonstrate your point and prove you correct.

I own a 1978 Ford D1211 truck with a 22ft beaver tail body. I use it once or twice a year to pick up a tractor or take one or two tractors to a steam/tractor rally.

The truck has a Gross Vehicle mass of 13000kg. It is designed as an 8 tonner. I rarely have more than 6 ton on the back. Any truck over 12000kg GVM for private use is a PITA because it comes under the fatigue management laws and you have to fill out a log book etc. I therefore came to the conclusion that if the truck was de-rated to 11900kg it would still suit my needs and would be cheaper to register and I wouldn't be having to fill out a log book.

This is how the conversation went with the idiot at Vic roads after I explained that I wanted the truck de-rated to 11900kg.

I was asked if Ford made such a truck. I answered yes. I was then asked what the difference was.My response was, smaller brakes, 6 litre engine instead of 6.2, 8.25x20 tyres on 8 stud wheels instead of 9:00x20 on 10 stud.

I was told I would have to fit the smaller brakes and tyres then get an engineers certificate.

How smart is that?

To the OP, common sense will not prevail so don't waste your time.


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[Trevor 57]

Originally Posted by JG66ME

I can demonstrate your point and prove you correct.

I own a 1978 Ford D1211 truck with a 22ft beaver tail body. I use it once or twice a year to pick up a tractor or take one or two tractors to a steam/tractor rally.

The truck has a Gross Vehicle mass of 13000kg. It is designed as an 8 tonner. I rarely have more than 6 ton on the back. Any truck over 12000kg GVM for private use is a PITA because it comes under the fatigue management laws and you have to fill out a log book etc. I therefore came to the conclusion that if the truck was de-rated to 11900kg it would still suit my needs and would be cheaper to register and I wouldn't be having to fill out a log book.

This is how the conversation went with the idiot at Vic roads after I explained that I wanted the truck de-rated to 11900kg.

I was asked if Ford made such a truck. I answered yes. I was then asked what the difference was.My response was, smaller brakes, 6 litre engine instead of 6.2, 8.25x20 tyres on 8 stud wheels instead of 9:00x20 on 10 stud.

I was told I would have to fit the smaller brakes and tyres then get an engineers certificate.

How smart is that?

To the OP, common sense will not prevail so don't waste your time.

I have been out of the system for a while, but I am pretty confident that you only need a drivers diary (log book) if you are driving for 'hire or reward', the fact that it is your vehicle and you are not carrying goods for a fee (i.e. you are not being paid by someone to carry the goods) then you shouldn't have to carry a 'log book' I will stand corrected on this as it has been a while

[Whoosha]

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

I have been out of the system for a while, but I am pretty confident that you only need a drivers diary (log book) if you are driving for 'hire or reward', the fact that it is your vehicle and you are not carrying goods for a fee (i.e. you are not being paid by someone to carry the goods) then you shouldn't have to carry a 'log book' I will stand corrected on this as it has been a while

Thats what we understand it as to Trev,a mate has a bus with his race car in it while the weight is over it is a private registered vechical so no log book required although still required to stop at weigh bridges upon request. also you still have to old 100k rule from a home base . Doesn't help the OP much but that's bureaucrats for ya

[FGII-XR6]

Correct, orange lights are legal, common on mine and breakdown vehicles and all pilot vehicles have them
I agree with Trevor, apply and you should get it through as it is by no means high performance

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

dumb *****, SES have been able to run red and blue lights for years FFS, I am an ex VicSES Unit Controller, in a previous life I actually conducted a lot of training with SES people on running as emergency vehicles using red and blue lights, that was back pre-2000

I am pretty confident you could run orange lights without any compliance issues, your roadworthy bloke couldn't give a **** that is for sure, there would be nothing in the roadworthy process about orange flashing lights on the roof

You can get a MR licence after one year on P Plates and a HR after 2 years on P Plates BUT you don't need one to drive that and it will make no difference to the whole power to weight thing, save your money.

I wouldn't think that would conform to their determination of 'high performance'. I would make a written application to Vicroads, give all the details of the vehicle including the fact that is a V8 diesel and include photos, they will come back with an exemption I am pretty confident

I teach TLIF1007C APPLY FATIGUE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES at work and there is no distinction between private and driving for work (except buses). if your vehicle fits the criteria you must use a work diary if traveling the set distance ( this can vary depending on vehicle type certain buses have a different distance to trucks and there are exemptions but not just for private vehicles) this is only a brief description see the link for more details
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/heavyvehic...xpemptions.pdf

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

I have been out of the system for a while, but I am pretty confident that you only need a drivers diary (log book) if you are driving for 'hire or reward', the fact that it is your vehicle and you are not carrying goods for a fee (i.e. you are not being paid by someone to carry the goods) then you shouldn't have to carry a 'log book' I will stand corrected on this as it has been a while

[Trevor 57]

Originally Posted by au3xr6

I teach TLIF1007C APPLY FATIGUE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES at work and there is no distinction between private and driving for work (except buses). if your vehicle fits the criteria you must use a work diary if traveling the set distance

I did a little research earlier and I believe you are right, from what I read driving a 'fatigue related vehicle' (over 12 tonne) requires you to have a driver diary, my apologies for any confusion, I did say it has been a while

[Elks]

Originally Posted by JG66ME

This is how the conversation went with the idiot at Vic roads after I explained that I wanted the truck de-rated to 11900kg.

I was asked if Ford made such a truck. I answered yes. I was then asked what the difference was.My response was, smaller brakes, 6 litre engine instead of 6.2, 8.25x20 tyres on 8 stud wheels instead of 9:00x20 on 10 stud.

I was told I would have to fit the smaller brakes and tyres then get an engineers certificate.

How smart is that?

To the OP, common sense will not prevail so don't waste your time.


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Ignore Vicroads on the modification process. Talk to a heavy vehicle engineer like Pm me if you need names. De rating the thing is an engineers job. Vicroads just do the paperwork.

[Kryton]

Its up to the RWC tester if the red lights stay, not Vicroads.
As for a way around the exemption - good luck.

[lockieoc]

Why would you have any desire to want to own a slow POS 5.0l when you got a FG that will run rings around it?

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[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by lockieoc

Why would you have any desire to want to own a slow POS 5.0l when you got a FG that will run rings around it?

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Because contrary to popular belief, not all people buy cars based on how fast or refined they are.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by lockieoc

Why would you have any desire to want to own a slow POS 5.0l when you got a FG that will run rings around it?

Why would you want to have V8UTES as a numberplate when it's a 6 ?

Because it's yours, and you can drive what you like and do what you like with it!!

Don't be argumentative.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by lockieoc

Why would you have any desire to want to own a slow POS 5.0l when you got a FG that will run rings around it?

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Tapatalk 2

The same reason why I went with a GMC Sierra rather than a Mercedes Sprinter, because I could.

Can a moderator merge this thread in with my project thread I just put up?

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...50#post4709750

Thanks much.

[mik]

I would tell them you are fitting the vehicle out as a motor home and see what they say.

[NeoBF]

Good luck mate, I recently contacted vicroads and the reply said that thy had no discretion to give exemptions unless it was for work or undue hardship (which is very conditional on where you can go).
It's a stupid and flawed system but unfortunately I don't think that there's going to be a way around it.

[falconnut]

sadly the only option is getting your full licence