TAS Driving Test: Your Guide to Passing in Tasmania

Overview

The Tasmania driving test is administered by Transport Services (Department of State Growth) through Service Tasmania centres across the state. With an estimated first-time pass rate of approximately 86%, Tasmania is one of the easiest places in Australia to obtain your licence. The combination of lighter traffic, straightforward road layouts, and shorter test routes makes it an achievable goal for well-prepared candidates. This guide covers the test format, what to expect on the day, and how to avoid the common mistakes that trip up the other 14%.

TAS Graduated Licensing System

Tasmania uses a standard graduated licensing system.

Learner Licence (L)

• Minimum age: 16 years
• How to get it: Pass the knowledge test at a Service Tasmania centre
• Must hold for: 12 months minimum
• Supervised driving: 80 hours including 15 night hours (if under 25)
• Speed limit: 90 km/h (even on roads with higher posted limits)
• BAC limit: Zero

Instructor Bonus Hours

Professional driving lessons count double in Tasmania:

• 1 hour with a certified instructor = 2 hours in your logbook
• Maximum benefit: 10 instructor hours = 20 logbook hours
• Completing a RYDA (Rotary Youth Driver Awareness) program earns 5 hours credit

Provisional P1

• Minimum age: 17 years
• How to get it: Complete the Hazard Perception Test (HPT) and pass the practical driving assessment
• Duration: 12 months minimum
• Speed limit: 100 km/h

Provisional P2

• How to get it: Hold P1 for 12 months
• Duration: 24 months minimum (or until age 20, whichever comes first)
• Speed limit: 100 km/h

Full Licence

• Available after completing the P2 period
• Minimum age: 20 years

What the Test Covers

The practical driving assessment in Tasmania takes approximately 25 to 35 minutes and covers a route of around 10 km through suburban streets.

Assessment Components

The test evaluates your ability to perform the following safely and competently:

Basic Vehicle Control

• Moving off smoothly and stopping
• Steering control and lane positioning
• Speed management for road and traffic conditions

Required Manoeuvres

• Pulling over and stopping (typically twice during the test)
• U-turns or three-point turns (typically three turning manoeuvres)
• Reverse parallel parking (one attempt)
• Merging and lane changes on roads with speeds of 80 km/h or above

Traffic Skills

• Intersections, including give-way and stop signs
• Roundabouts with correct signalling and give-way
• Responding to pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users
• Speed bumps and reduced speed zones (25 km/h zones are common near residential areas)

A Typical Hobart Route

Based on community reports, a common test route from the Hobart Service Tasmania centre covers approximately 9.9 km and takes about 26 minutes. Routes typically go through suburbs such as New Town, Mount Stuart, and North Hobart, with varied road types including residential streets, main roads, and areas with roundabouts.

The specific streets used for turning manoeuvres are randomised, but approximately 60% of the route overlaps between different tests. Practising in the test area beforehand is highly beneficial.

Pass Rates

Tasmania's high pass rate can be attributed to several factors:

• Lower traffic volumes — Tasmania has a population of approximately 570,000, resulting in quieter roads
• Simpler road networks — fewer multi-lane highways and complex interchanges
• Shorter test routes — approximately 10 km compared to longer routes in mainland states
• Supportive testing environment — examiners are generally reported as calm and clear in their instructions

Most Common Reasons for Failing

Even with an 86% pass rate, some candidates still fail. The most common errors are:

1. Head check failures during three-point turns — You must perform a head check at each stage of a three-point turn. Three direction changes means three head checks. This is the single most common reason for losing marks.
2. Incorrect indicator use — The three-point turn requires signalling three times (once for each direction change). Forgetting to signal during manoeuvres like U-turns or when pulling back onto the road after stopping is also common.
3. Roundabout errors — Incorrect signalling or failing to give way to vehicles already in the roundabout.
4. Speed management — Driving too slowly out of nervousness is a frequent issue. Examiners will prompt you if you are significantly under the limit. Conversely, exceeding the limit through speed bumps or 25 km/h zones will result in marks lost.
5. Stopping unnecessarily for hesitant pedestrians — If a pedestrian is hesitating on the footpath and has not stepped onto the road, stopping and waiting can disrupt traffic flow and may be marked down.
6. Turning with wheels crossing solid lines — Examiners will note if your wheels clip a lane line during turns.
7. Not understanding examiner instructions — Particularly on higher-speed roads where instructions may be given quickly. If you miss an instruction, ask the examiner to repeat it rather than guessing.

The Three-Point Turn — Get This Right

The three-point turn is where many TAS candidates lose marks. Here is the correct procedure:

1. Signal right, perform a head check to the right, then steer right across the road
2. Stop before the kerb. Signal left, perform a head check to the left, then reverse to the left
3. Stop before the opposite kerb. Signal right (or appropriate direction), perform a head check, then drive forward

Key points:

• Three direction changes, three signals, three head checks
• You may use a resident's driveway to turn — but your entire rear must enter the driveway
• On narrow streets, use a three-point turn. On wide streets, the examiner may expect a U-turn
• If there is a dashed centre line at an intersection, you cannot turn there. Unmarked residential streets are generally fine

Learning Resources

Official YouTube Channel

The Tasmanian government operates an official YouTube channel called "Learn to Drive in Tasmania" through the State Growth department. It contains 24 educational videos covering topics such as:

• Blind spots and mirrors
• Roundabout rules and signalling
• Crash avoidance
• General safe driving practices

This channel is widely recommended by driving instructors and candidates as a primary study resource. Search for "Learn to Drive in Tasmania" on YouTube.

Additional Resources

• The Whirlpool forums contain threads discussing Tasmanian driving test experiences
• General Australian driving test videos on YouTube (covering parallel parking, head checks, and mirror technique) are applicable to the TAS test

Costs

Tasmania's test fees are among the most affordable in Australia, comparable to Victoria ($73) and Queensland ($70), and far less than South Australia (~$350).

Converting an Overseas Licence in Tasmania

Recognised Countries

Drivers from recognised countries can convert their licence without sitting a driving test.

2025 EDR Reform

From 1 November 2025, the Experienced Driver Recognition (EDR) pathway has been removed in Tasmania. Drivers aged 25+ from 16 "EDR countries" — including Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and South Africa — now must pass the same tests as any other non-recognised country.

Non-Recognised Countries (Including China)

If your country is not on the recognised list, you must pass:

1. A knowledge test
2. A Hazard Perception Test (HPT)
3. A practical driving assessment (includes 6 assessment sections and 2 driving exercises)

Time Limits

• Permanent residents: Must convert within 6 months of arriving in Tasmania
• Temporary visa holders: Can drive using their overseas licence plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) or certified English translation

Tips for Passing First Time

Before the Test

• Complete your 80 supervised hours thoroughly — practise in varied conditions including wet roads, night driving, and different times of day
• Watch the official YouTube videos — the "Learn to Drive in Tasmania" series covers the exact skills assessed in the test
• Practise around the test area — drive the suburbs near your Service Tasmania centre to become familiar with the roundabouts, speed zones, and common turning streets
• Master the three-point turn — practise on both narrow and wide streets until the signal-check-steer sequence is automatic

On Test Day

• Arrive early and ensure your vehicle is registered, roadworthy, and displaying L plates
• Keep the interior clean and uncluttered
• Let the examiner know if English is your second language — they will adjust their pace

During the Test

• Exaggerate your head checks — turn your head clearly past your shoulder so the examiner can see you checking your blind spot
• Signal for every manoeuvre — including when pulling back onto the road after stopping, exiting roundabouts, and every stage of a three-point turn
• Maintain the speed limit — if the limit is 50 km/h, drive at 45 to 50. Driving at 35 in a 50 zone will draw a comment from the examiner
• Stay calm after mistakes — if you feel you have made an error, keep driving safely. Many candidates who think they have failed end up passing because the error was minor
• Do not stop for hesitant pedestrians on the footpath — only stop if they have stepped onto the road or are at a marked crossing
• If you miss a turn or take a wrong direction, do not panic. The examiner will redirect you. This is not penalised as long as you drive safely

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the TAS driving test? Approximately 25 to 35 minutes, covering around 10 km.

How much does it cost? The practical driving assessment costs $106.16 including GST.

What is the pass rate? Approximately 86% of candidates pass on their first attempt, making Tasmania one of the easiest states in Australia.

Do I need my own car? Yes. You must provide a registered, roadworthy vehicle displaying L plates. If you use a driving instructor's car, additional fees will apply.

How many hours of practice do I need? Learners under 25 must log 80 hours of supervised driving, including 15 night hours.

What speed am I limited to on L plates? 90 km/h, which is lower than most other states (typically 100 km/h).

Can I ask the examiner to repeat instructions? Yes. Examiners expect this and will speak clearly. Do not guess — always ask if you are unsure.

Information in this guide is current as of February 2026. Fees and rules may change — always check the Transport Tasmania website for the latest information.