Tag Archives: rules

New young driver licence exemptions in Qld!

Great news!  Maritime Safety Queensland has approved updated and extended licensing exemptions for younger drivers at APBA sanctioned events.  There have been exemptions in place for J2 and J3 for many years, but these have now been extended to 25hp and Formula 4 classes (with some conditions).  Younger drivers competing at APBA sanctioned events are now exempt from marine licence requirements for:

  • J2 – age 10-15, max 10 hp
  • J3 – age 12 to 15, max 15 hp
  • 25 hp & F4 – 14 or 15 years old, must have competed in J3 for at least 2 years.

The usual racing and safety rules, specific junior driver briefings and assessment of junior drivers before competing continue to apply.

This is an excellent outcome for growing the sport and allowing younger people to stay engaged and develop their driving skills in a safe manner.  Note that these exemptions only apply during APBA sanctioned events, so outside these events the usual licensing requirements apply.

The APBA Queensland State Council recognises and thanks the efforts of Maritime Safety Queensland in working through this process.

Rule changes for 2014-15 race year

The National Authority has published a summary of all rule changes for the upcoming race year – available here.

Not too many changes this year compared with some previous years 🙂  Main areas of change are in Blown Lites, sample testing for reinforced cockpits, setting of a maximum age for harnesses and changes to restrictions on radio communication with drivers.

As always, the actual rule book is the authoritative source and you should check the wording there before taking any action on the changes.

Licence fees 2014-15

At the recent State Council meeting, Fees for all Queensland APBA licences for the 2014-15 year were decided. Due to reductions in public liability insurance costs, fees have been able to be kept the same as the previous year and are as follows:

Owner/driver Driver only Owner only
Formula Future 100 50 50
Full year Restricted 400 350 50
Full year Limited 400 350 50
Full year Unlimited 550 500 50
Half year Restricted 275 225 50
Half year Limited 275 225 50
Half year Unlimited 375 325 50
Day licence 150 100 50
Novice licence 150 100 50
Single event licence 150 100 50

To renew your licence or obtain a new licence, contact Chris Leeson on 07-3422 0309 or at qldapba@gmail.com.

You can also send completed forms with payment to 52 Grunert Street, HOLLAND PARK  QLD  4121.  Forms are available from here.

Cockpit and FF orientation test days

Two dates have been set for reinforced cockpit and Formula Future orientation tests.  Note that it is mandatory for all Formula Future drivers to attend one of these tests before renewing their license, as required by recent rule changes.  If any Formula Future driver cannot attend one of these days, please contact Linda Sonter on 0407-759 649 or at wlsonter@virginbroadband.com.au.

Dates and venues are:
30 August 2014 12:00 noon
31-35 The Chase, FORESTDALE QLD 4118 (Google maps)
(The Partridge family and the Gold Coast Power Boat Sports Club will hold a sausage sizzle on this day)

7 September 2014
181 Commissioners Flat Road, PEACHESTER QLD 4519 (Google maps)

Drivers must bring their own safety gear for the tests.

APBA national web site down

The Web site of the national APBA is not currently available, meaning that all forms, race calendar etc are currently unavailable on-line.  Seems someone forgot to renew the domain registration …

We have contacted the national body to alert them to the situation.

UPDATE – licence and entry forms are temporarily available here.

FURTHER UPDATE – as the national site is back on-line, the above location for forms has been removed.

Lockyer PowerFest 2014 – drivers’ pack

The drivers’ pack for the Lockyer PowerFest 2014 is now available – get yours from the link below!  This includes all details of the event, including an update of available accommodation.

Three months to go – get your entries in early!

info-powerfest-2014-drivers-pack-march-2014

Edit: updated drivers’ pack now available:

info-powerfest-2014-drivers-pack-april-2014

Qld APBA licence fees 2013/14

Outboard
Under 2ltr $350.00 (full year)
$225.00 (half year)
2ltr and over $500.00 (full year)
$350.00 (half year)

Inboard
4.2ltr and under $350.00
$225.00 (half year)
4.3ltr and over $500.00
$350.00 (half year)

Junior $50.00

Single event $100.00
(Note: applicant must have held a full licence in the previous year and show proof of same)

Day $100.00

Novice $100.00

Boat owner $50.00

All licence applications must be sent to:

QLD APBA
Licencing Officer
52 Grunert Street
Holland Park QLD 4121