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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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