Range Rover Classic and P plates

[Wants a Rangie]

My old man and I are both right into rangies and both own one each and have built them up, Ive just turned 18 which means p plates and with the new the laws Range rovers are banned because they have a V8. Ive been looking for info on getting an exemption to drive one.
Need help and tips on how to go about it, its the only family car i have access to and its just a hobbie. Its not going to be always out.

Any ideas or tips guys?
Thanks

[bwenny23]

i know here in vic there pretty strict and i think they only give them out iff the vechile is needed for work purposes, i think you have to give details of times and location of when you will be driving it. I think thats how it works!

[UncleHo]

I would suggest that you approach your local Transport Dept Office, and tell them that the only family vehicle that you are able to get access to are your parents Range Rover V8 and tender the Rego Number for them to check,and request a dispensation letter to allow you to drive it, but you would have to carry that letter or a copy of the original at all times,as well as a "Letter of Authority" from your Father giving you permission to drive it.

If it is a RRC, then by today's standard it is a Low Power to Weight Ratio" vehicle compared to V6 Commodores and to Subaru's etc.

It wouldn't hurt to at least make enquiries,even if you presented the "Letter of Authority" when making the enquiry :)


cheers

[frantic]

This is the stupidity of giving a person the power to make laws on a subject they don't understand! You in Nsw could legally with p plates drive a lotus or m3 BMW but not a rrc.
Maybe if you give them the acceleration figures along with top speed compared to a p plate legal falcodoore or even a 4.8 6cyl patrol or petrol prado along with the fact its the only car you have access to should be enough.

[Slunnie]

This is the stupidity of giving a person the power to make laws on a subject they don't understand! You in Nsw could legally with p plates drive a lotus or m3 BMW but not a rrc.
Maybe if you give them the acceleration figures along with top speed compared to a p plate legal falcodoore or even a 4.8 6cyl patrol or petrol prado along with the fact its the only car you have access to should be enough.
That was the exact situation with a previous student of mine. Couldn't drive his mothers Discovery but could drive his fathers BMW M3 convertable.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

I thought all RTA regulation writers ride public transport or push bikes!

It is one of the most stupid laws we have on the books, a P plater can't even drive an original 1937 Ford 136CID flathead V8 wih a pathetic 45Kw rating, because it is considered "high powered". Even the Smart car has a 55Kw!

[rovercare]

Just dont make it to loud, and dont attract attention and drive it;)

[Wants a Rangie]

I would suggest that you approach your local Transport Dept Office, and tell them that the only family vehicle that you are able to get access to are your parents Range Rover V8 and tender the Rego Number for them to check,and request a dispensation letter to allow you to drive it, but you would have to carry that letter or a copy of the original at all times,as well as a "Letter of Authority" from your Father giving you permission to drive it.

If it is a RRC, then by today's standard it is a Low Power to Weight Ratio" vehicle compared to V6 Commodores and to Subaru's etc.

It wouldn't hurt to at least make enquiries,even if you presented the "Letter of Authority" when making the enquiry :)


cheers
Yeah thats what I was aiming at doing, hoping as its the only family vehicle I have access to. Laws should be changed to Power to Weight again.
Thanks

[Wants a Rangie]

This is the stupidity of giving a person the power to make laws on a subject they don't understand! You in Nsw could legally with p plates drive a lotus or m3 BMW but not a rrc.
Maybe if you give them the acceleration figures along with top speed compared to a p plate legal falcodoore or even a 4.8 6cyl patrol or petrol prado along with the fact its the only car you have access to should be enough.

I was thinking that to with the figures of my Dads FG xr6 ute compared to my rangie seeing as i can drive the Xr6 but not the rangie.
Thanks

[81rangie]

yer mate i know the problem it is really stuiped that something that is as old as the 3.5lt V8 is still considered more powerfull then the new falcon or commodore v6 which are something like 4lt+ let alone the rego for V8s are ridiculous ....

but sayen that the only way that i know a P plater can drive a turbo or V8 is if its diesel ...ive seen a few driving brand new Sahara's

[roverv8]

you may have to get a Discovery/RRC tdi till your off your P - plates,

I can't believe even the 3.5 v8 is banned to a P - plate driver ;)

[Casper]

If you really want to stay with the Land Rover product then buy a Tdi Disco or if your still worried about the speed, buy a series.

You could do a V6 or Falcon 6 conversion to a Rangie classic, I have seen a couple of both now and on road I was impressed.

The one powered by a Falcon 4.0ltr from an EF went very well, got great economy but needed a few mods to the radiator support as it was a bit long with the conversion plate but this could be worked around by using a BTR trans or T5 I suppose.

Both the Holden V6 powered ones I don't think would have the bottom end power off road unless it was in low range but on the road was smooth, quiet and had plenty enough power to pull it around, much more than I have ever felt from a standard 3.9.

1 V6 was the VP and the other is VT, the VT one is in an 88 HSE with air suspension and all and never goes off road but is used to drag a double horse float.

In saying that, there is heaps you need to do for a good conversion and all 4 of them were started off with the idea that it would be cheaper than rebuilding or replacing their Rover V8 but all 4 ended up costing thousands more.

Cheers Casper

[stig0000]

cant drive a car that has a mod plate, so your buggerd there,

and you cant drive even a v8 diesel, or anything with more then 210kw,

in qld they have now changed it to some cars now fall under the 125kw per 1000kg,

witch is way better, but i cant see why the hell cant you be like the rest of the poeple who whent thru there Ps and just wate the 3 yrs, it will go qwick trust me,

i went thru the 3 yrs with out the need to want a v8, when i was on my Ps i had a 24/7 exemption from everycar for work,

[Wants a Rangie]

Was planning on trying for an exemption and if that doesn't work have a 200tdi conversion lined up. Exemption was just the easier first choice.

[dullbird]

I dont know where rochester is but if its NSW forget it..

when I came over from the UK I was put on P's as I hadn't had my licence long enough. we had a V8 disco when we moved here which I drove for 3months on my UK licence.

When I changed my licence i was informed I could no longer drive the V8 because its not safe! as I was now a P plater...i wrote letters to the RTA and informed them that this was the only car I had access too and we had a diesel car being shipped over from the UK and was waiting on its arrival...

I was given a flat no!! i had to go out and buy another car!!! hence the TDI disco was born and hence why we have 4 landrovers...

I was pretty disgusted with the way the RTA dealt with it I was 25 and hardly a hoon and only needed breathing space..

I asked them how I could drive a car for 3 months and just because my licence changed it was no longer safe for me to drive it? no response.

that was a real welcome to Australia!

[Wants a Rangie]

I dont know where rochester is but if its NSW forget it..

when I came over from the UK I was put on P's as I hadn't had my licence long enough. we had a V8 disco when we moved here which I drove for 3months on my UK licence.

When I changed my licence i was informed I could no longer drive the V8 because its not safe! as I was now a P plater...i wrote letters to the RTA and informed them that this was the only car I had access too and we had a diesel car being shipped over from the UK and was waiting on its arrival...

I was given a flat no!! i had to go out and buy another car!!! hence the TDI disco was born and hence why we have 4 landrovers...

I was pretty disgusted with the way the RTA dealt with it I was 25 and hardly a hoon and only needed breathing space..

I asked them how I could drive a car for 3 months and just because my licence changed it was no longer safe for me to drive it? no response.

that was a real welcome to Australia!

Yeah its not fair and plan stupid, Rochester is VIC too so I don't know if they are tougher in NSW or not.

[Grumbles]

You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain by preparing a decent written case for yourself and presenting it. The last thing you should be doing is prejudging what the RTA answer is likely to be.

[Wants a Rangie]

You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain by preparing a decent written case for yourself and presenting it. The last thing you should be doing is prejudging what the RTA answer is likely to be.

Thats right, nothing to lose worst they can say is no.

[Davo]

And it doesn't hurt to contact your MP as well.

And to keep bugging people, too.

[bigcarle]

yep look at that Dokic tennis bloke in QLD he got an exemption for his BMW

[Wants a Rangie]

And it doesn't hurt to contact your MP as well.

And to keep bugging people, too.

Not a bad idea, could help a lot
Thanks

[flagg]

Dont forget NRMA too, of you are in letter writing mode.

[Wants a Rangie]

So... got heaps on info ready on the performance figures of the Range rover and BA XR6. Power figures, weight, 0-100 times. Wrote a letter and sent off the figures with proof.
Got a reply back saying to fill in a exemption form, rang the number I was sent, had a chat and was told to fill in the form and it will be denied straight away and I can take it further after its been denied. Had to be denied first. Filled in the form and it was denied. Now getting more info together to give myself a good case. It now gets sent off to Melbourne.
Anyone that I spoke to from Vicroads or the Bendigo exemption office couldn't give an answer why I can drive a 6 cylinder that has double the power, but can't drive the rover V8 in a 2 tonne vehicle.

[Disco Muppet]

Mate, best of luck with it.
I had a few people tell me i wouldn't be able to drive my disco, seeing as it's a "turbo".
I told them to get bent, and haven't had any dramas yet :D :D
Given the amount of info you can present, you've probably got a better shot than most people.
Hell, my mate got given an exemption for his 2.5l petrol turbo saab, so best of luck.
Then again, being the RTA, they probably won't budge :(
Good luck with it.
Cheers
Muppet

[Wants a Rangie]

Thank you for the support, Im giving it a right old shot, problem is they can't even give me a reason why i can't drive it, but can drive.. lets face it just about everything is more powerful then a rangie classic..

[Grumbles]

Good on you mate for fighting for what you think is right. It can be quite surprising what one determined individual can accomplish and you are certainly determined.

[superquag]

These rules are obviously based on statistics...:eek: - so I wonder how many Classics have been involved in hoonish behavior...

Or indeed, can the Powers That Be show or prove that Classics are actually capable of such performance... especially compared to a family v6 like the Magna.

Are you allowed to drive a car like the WRX ? If so, ask them how much safer would that be, for yourself, other motorists and pedestrians...

How about your TV Current Affairs-type programs?

[dullbird]

Mate, best of luck with it.

I had a few people tell me i wouldn't be able to drive my disco, seeing as it's a "turbo".
I told them to get bent, and haven't had any dramas yet :D :D Given the amount of info you can present, you've probably got a better shot than most people.
Hell, my mate got given an exemption for his 2.5l petrol turbo saab, so best of luck.
Then again, being the RTA, they probably won't budge :(
Good luck with it.
Cheers
Muppet


and you wont there is no restriction on Diesel cars turbo or not...

that was my argument with the RTA that I couldn't drive a rover V8 that was 0-60 in 3 weeks yet I could go out and buy a lotus elise naturally aspirated which is about 0-60 in probably about 6sec, stupid.

[Wants a Rangie]

These rules are obviously based on statistics...:eek: - so I wonder how many Classics have been involved in hoonish behavior...

Or indeed, can the Powers That Be show or prove that Classics are actually capable of such performance... especially compared to a family v6 like the Magna.

Are you allowed to drive a car like the WRX ? If so, ask them how much safer would that be, for yourself, other motorists and pedestrians...

How about your TV Current Affairs-type programs?

Rules came in to ban high performance vehicles to P platers, Im fine with that when it was power to weight. Rule used to be 120kw per tonne max. Range rover is 55kw per tonne. Way under, now rules are no V8s at all.
But yes the lotus is fine, even if it weighs around a tonne and has 200kw and gets to 100 in 5 seconds... work that one out

[Disco Muppet]

and you wont there is no restriction on Diesel cars turbo or not...


Yeah, that's what I meant.
They thought it was any turbo, despite how many people I pointed to driving turbo diesels :D
Cheers
Muppet

[Wants a Rangie]

Well... Vicroads came back to me, they even acknowledged that i can drive higher powered cars, even if they are higher powered then the banned ones. But all they had to say was it has 8 cylinders I can't drive it..

[Lotz-A-Landies]

So you need to get a RRc with the VM diesel or a Disco 1 or 2 also with a diesel engine.

[Wants a Rangie]

200tdi into a rangie is back up plan.

[Grumbles]

Well... Vicroads came back to me, they even acknowledged that i can drive higher powered cars, even if they are higher powered then the banned ones. But all they had to say was it has 8 cylinders I can't drive it..

If that was me I would send a copy of that VR letter along with an overview of your situaion to the Minister Vic Roads along with a copy to your local parliamentary member.

[superquag]

If that was me I would send a copy of that VR letter along with an overview of your situaion to the Minister Vic Roads along with a copy to your local parliamentary member.



And give "Today-Tonight" or "A Current Affair" a ring...

Nothing is more terrifying to a journo than a slow news day.. and nothing more attractive than the chance to ridicule the Public Service / Pollies... :D


When he's good.... I take my L- plate son out in the (V8 Auto) Rangie for 'steering practice'.

[superquag]

Well... Vicroads came back to me, they even acknowledged that i can drive higher powered cars, even if they are higher powered then the banned ones. But all they had to say was it has 8 cylinders I can't drive it..

So... the LAW is not concerned about safety, speed, power of the engine or suitability for driving, (ie, a docile gentle lazy engine or a rev-hungry narrow banded feral motor...) only the technical detail as to how the engine operates... regardless of its effect upon the vehicle.

If 8 cylinders was a differant race or creed... they'd be shot down in flames for "Racism" or "Religious DISCRIMINATION" :eek:

[Wants a Rangie]

So... the LAW is not concerned about safety, speed, power of the engine or suitability for driving, (ie, a docile gentle lazy engine or a rev-hungry narrow banded feral motor...) only the technical detail as to how the engine operates... regardless of its effect upon the vehicle.

If 8 cylinders was a differant race or creed... they'd be shot down in flames for "Racism" or "Religious DISCRIMINATION" :eek:

Well put.

[superquag]

... and to add insult to injury...

P-platers to face tough new restrictions - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-21/government-to-restrict-new-drivers/3964436)


Notice the emphasis on removing 'distractions', which can kill at ANY speed, in ANY vehicle.

Indeed, many if not all modern small cars have more in-built distracting devices than any older - V8 - cars of RRC vintage.

- Don't start me on exterior distractions, such as 'angel-eyes', curved rows of bright LEDs and other, ah, driver-pleasing (daytime) lighting...

The Road Safety Council is a government body, thus it is noteworthy that they've gotten something right... Credit where it's due.

[Scott G]

Hi


I am new to this site and have been reviewing the forum on RRC and P Plates. My son and I have recently purchased a 1989 RRC and have been restoring it for his first car. I have had Range Rovers for 30 years and love them and this has rubbed off.


Now I have found out that this car is banned for P Plates which is crazy for all the reasons everyone has stated in this forum.


We live in Brisbane in Queensland and I noticed that you have given it a good go in Victoria. So I am about to fight the good fight in Queensland. So I was wondering if you could send me all the details of your research of the power to weight ratio of the RRC and comparison material with other cars to save me time. Let me know if this would be possible as I would really appreciate it. should I give you my email address??

[discoRRc]

in NSW rangies and discos are legal to drive now, even 4.6 p38s are legal

[frantic]

Could your P plate rrc driver "move";) to a friends house in NSW until their off their p plates?
Would that be cheaper than an engine swap? Rego in nsw,is a bit more expensive and you need a pink slip every year.

[Scott G]

Thanks, would this fix the problem? because if we did register in NSW and he got stopped in QLD with a QLD licence then he would be in trouble?? he would need to get a QLD licence as he has just done his 100 hours.

[THE BOOGER]

He would have to "move" to NSW and get his NSW P,s then he comes under NSW rules where the car is registered would not be a problem. ;) There are other potential problems though :)

[jimr1]

It's always hard to get rules changed , because those that are the powers to be , wont the responsibility , but don't won't to take It , to make decisions . Common sense doesn't even come into It . For me It just reflects the stranded bureaucrats !!..

[The Mighty Range Rover]

Hi


I am new to this site and have been reviewing the forum on RRC and P Plates. My son and I have recently purchased a 1989 RRC and have been restoring it for his first car. I have had Range Rovers for 30 years and love them and this has rubbed off.


Now I have found out that this car is banned for P Plates which is crazy for all the reasons everyone has stated in this forum.


We live in Brisbane in Queensland and I noticed that you have given it a good go in Victoria. So I am about to fight the good fight in Queensland. So I was wondering if you could send me all the details of your research of the power to weight ratio of the RRC and comparison material with other cars to save me time. Let me know if this would be possible as I would really appreciate it. should I give you my email address??

Hey mate, i've been looking into this as well, and i noticed that on the actual page stating the restrictions. It has a list of exemptions.

The following vehicles are exempt and can be driven on a P1 or P2 licence:

Suzuki Cappuccino 2D Cabriolet Turbo 3 657?698cc (1992?1997)
Daihatsu Copen L880 2D Convertible Turbo 4 659cc (2003 or later)
Smart Fortwo Coupe 2D Turbo 3 698cc (2000 or later)
Smart Fortwo Cabriolet Turbo 3 2D 698cc (2000 or later)
Smart Roadster Turbo 3 2D 698cc (2000 or later)
Toyota Landcruiser.

Notice the last one, Toyota Landcruiser. No specific model, year or engine named. Basically admitting that the law is ridiculous right there, and they had to had an exemption in for the land cruisers because they are so common here.

I also emailed my local MP with some power to weight ratios (BHP/TONNE)

1993 V8 Range Rover. This 155hp, and weighs 2.5 tonne. 57HP/TONNE.
V6 Commodore, 1993 model, has 174hp and weighs 1.3 tonnes. 131HP/TONNE

He agreed that it was stupid, and he had to go through the exemption process for his son.

Hopefully this will help you, let me know how it goes.