Young learner-driver getting into car with her mother
On the road

Graduated change

The Tasmanian Government will establish an enhanced Graduated Licensing System (GLS) for young drivers by December 2020. This will include creating a single learner stage, as well as changes to learner hours, speed limits, hands-free mobile phone use and passenger numbers.

We take a look at the differences in the current and enhanced rules for Tasmania, as well as what you need to know if you are driving interstate.

Tasmanian learners will be faced with a new Graduated Licensing Scheme by the end of 2020.

Current GLS

Supervised driving hours:

Ls: 50

Hazard perception test: Nil

Blood alcohol level: 0

Hands-free mobile phones: Permitted

Peer passenger limits: Nil

Night-time driving restrictions: Nil

Speed limits:

L1s: 80km/h

L2s and P1s: 90km/h in 90km/h and 100km/h zones; 100km/h in 110km/h zones.

P2s: Posted speed limit

New GLS

Supervised driving hours:

Single learner phase (combining L1 and L2): 80 (including 15 hours night driving)

Hazard perception test: Required before P1s test

Blood alcohol level: 0

Hands-free mobile phones: Not permitted for learners and P1 drivers

Peer passenger limits: One passenger aged between 16-21 for P1 drivers under 25

Night-time driving restrictions: Nil

Speed limits:

Learners: 90km/h

P1s: 100km/h

P2s: Posted speed limit

P-plates: P2 drivers will be required to display green and white plates

*There are exemptions for fully licensed drivers, emergency services workers on duty as well as for education, family and medical reasons.

Be sure to check the rules when travelling interstate.

Planning on travelling when on your Ls or Ps?

You must obey both the conditions on your own licence and those in the state you're visiting.

As a general rule, you should follow whichever is stricter if they are different.

Below we've compared each Australian state. The data is correct at the time of print, but it could change. 

We suggest you check the relative state's transport department just to make sure. 

Western Australia learner driver rules.

Western Australia

Supervised driving hours:

Ls: 50 (including five at night)

Hazard perception test: Required

Blood alcohol level: 0

Hands-free mobile phones: Permitted

Peer passenger limits: Nil

Night-time driving restrictions:

Ps: Midnight to 5am for first six months*

Speed limits:

Ls: 100km/h

Ps: 110km/h

*Work, educational and familial exemptions apply.

South Australia learner driver rules.

South Australia

Supervised driving hours:

Ls: 75 (including 15 at night)

Hazard perception test: Required 

Blood alcohol level: 0

Hands-free mobile phones: Not permitted for Ls and P1s

Peer passenger limits: 

P1s (aged under 25): One aged 16-20

Night-time driving restrictions:

P1s (aged under 25): Midnight to 5am*

Speed limits:

Ls and Ps: 100 km/h

*Work, educational and familial exemptions apply.

New South Wales learner driver rules.

New South Wales

Supervised driving hours:

Ls: 120 (including 20 at night)

Hazard perception test: Required

Blood alcohol level: 0

Hands-free mobile phones:

Ls and P1s: Not permitted

P2s: Permitted for calls and audio only

Peer passenger limits: 

P1s (aged under 25): One aged under 21 between 11pm - 5am

Night-time driving restrictions: Nil

Speed limits:

L2s and P1s: 90km/h

P2s: 100km/h  

Queensland learner driver rules.

Queensland

Supervised driving hours:

Ls: 100 (including 10 at night)

Hazard perception test: Required 

Blood alcohol level: 0

Hands-free mobile phones:

Ls and P1s: Not permitted

P2s: Permitted for calls and audio only

Peer passenger limits: 

P1s (aged under 25): One aged under 21 between 11pm - 5am

Night-time driving restrictions: Nil

Speed limits: Posted limits apply

Victoria learner driver rules.

Victoria

Supervised driving hours:

Ls: 120 (including 10 at night)

Hazard perception test: Required

Blood alcohol level: 0

Hands-free mobile phones: Not permitted

Peer passenger limits:

P1s: One aged 16-22*

Night-time driving restrictions: Nil

Speed limits: Posted limits apply

*Work, educational and familial exemptions apply.

Northern Territory learner driver rules.

Northern Territory

Supervised driving hours: Not compulsory (100 recommended)

Blood alcohol level:0

Hands-free mobile phones: Not permitted

Peer passenger limits: Nil

Night-time driving restrictions: Nil

Speed limits: 

Ls: 80km/h

Ps: 100km/h

Australian Capital Territory learner driver rules.

Australian Capital Territory

Supervised driving hours: Not compulsory (100 recommended)

Blood alcohol level: 0

Hands-free mobile phones: Permitted

Peer passenger limits: Nil

Night-time driving restrictions: Nil

Speed limits: Posted limit