Getting your licence

Going for your licence is an exciting time, see below for what’s involved.

The pre-learner

Before you begin you’ll need to study the road rules. The Plates Plus course can help you do this and research shows you’re more likely to pass the test if you use this free resource.

Once you’ve got the rules down pat, you can sit your driver knowledge test either online as part of the Plates Plus course, or in-person at Service Tasmania.

The learner stage

Having passed your learner driver test, you’re now ready to hit the road with a supervisor. If you're feeling nervous, it might pay to do your first few hours with a professional instructor in a dual controlled vehicle. 

As a learner you can drive to a max speed of 90km/h and you'll need to log 80 hours of supervised training including 15 hours at night. There are some key things you should be practicing (such as reverse parking).

We’re here to help you develop your skills further if you need, and remember time spent learning to drive with a certified driving instructor is worth double in a learner logbook. You'll need to hold your learners licence for 12 months and log your practice hours in your logbook or the Plates Plus logbook app.

At some stage during your Ls journey, you may be required to complete the Plates Plus Hazard Perception Test, an online assessment featuring a series of videos and multiple choice questions. Before booking your Ps assessment, it's best to check if this test is a mandatory requirement for you.

Once these actions have been done and you’re ready, you can book your P1 assessment.

The P1 assessment

Complete the tasks in your logbook and practice, practice, practice. The assessment can be completed through us or Transport Tas. When you pass we'll give you the paperwork Service Tasmania need to upgrade your licence with a fee. Congratulations, you can now drive solo.

For in depth information on what to expect during your assessment, read the Preparing for your Driving Assessment article prepared by State Growth (available in multiple languages).

The P1 stage

You must hold your P1s for at least 12 months. Speed limits, peer passenger restrictions and mobile phone bans apply, make yourself familiar with these at Plates Plus Tasmania. If you commit a P1 restart offence, you may need to hold your P1s for longer, learn more at Transport Tas.

The P2 stage

Depending on your age, you’ll have your P2 licence for either one or two years. Following this you’re a licensed driver. Congratulations! Be responsible and stay safe.

Driving reward

Get through the P1 and P2 stage without committing a driving offence and get rewarded. The safer driver reward provides eligible drivers with a free 3 year full licence. What a great incentive! Also, if you purchased a 7 or 10 lesson driving package through us, you’re now eligible for your free roadside. Show your licence at an RACT Driving School so they can congratulate you and arrange it.

Changes to your journey

As the learner and provisional licensing journey changed on 1 December 2020, you may be following a different licensing process. You can visit Plates Plus Tasmania to find out what Graduated Licensing System changes may impact you.