Tasmania L and P Plate Restrictions: Learner, P1 and P2 Rules

Learning to drive in Tasmania? Whether you've just got your Ls or you're getting ready for your red Ps, understanding the road rules is an important part of becoming a safe and confident driver.

Tasmania has three main stages before you get your full licence: learner (L plates), P1 (red P plates) and P2 (green P plates). Each stage has different rules for speed limits, mobile phones, passengers and more.

The good news? The restrictions gradually ease as you gain driving experience.

Here's everything you need to know about Tasmania's L and P plate restrictions, so you can focus on building your skills and enjoying the journey.

Tasmania L and P plate restrictions at a glance

Learner (L plates)

• Maximum speed: 90 km/h
• Blood alcohol concentration (BAC): 0.00
• Mobile phone use: Not permitted, including hands-free
• Supervising driver: Required
• Towing a trailer: Not permitted

P1 (red P plates)

• Maximum speed: 100 km/h
• Blood alcohol concentration: 0.00
• Mobile phone use: Not permitted, including hands-free
• Peer passengers: Restrictions apply if you're under 25
• Towing a trailer: Permitted

P2 (green P plates)

• Maximum speed: Posted speed limit
• Blood alcohol concentration: 0.00
• Mobile phone use: Hands-free permitted
• Peer passengers: No restriction
• Towing a trailer: Permitted

Remember, you must always follow the posted speed limit if it's lower than your licence's maximum permitted speed.

Tasmanian learner licence (L plate) restrictions

In Tasmania, you can get your learner licence from the age of 16 after passing the driver knowledge test.

Tasmania previously had two learner stages, L1 and L2, but these were replaced with a single learner licence in December 2020.

This means you'll stay on your learner licence until you're ready to progress to your P1 licence.

What are the rules for L plate drivers in Tasmania?

While driving on your Ls, you must:

• Drive with a supervisor: You must have an eligible supervising driver with you whenever you drive.
• Display L plates: Your L plates must be clearly visible at the front and rear of your vehicle.
• Follow the 90 km/h speed limit: You cannot exceed 90 km/h, even when the posted speed limit is higher.
• Avoid mobile phone use: You cannot use your phone while driving, including hands-free or speaker mode. Music and GPS are permitted if set up before driving and you don't interact with your phone during the journey.
• Maintain a zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC): You must have no alcohol in your system.
• Carry your licence: Keep your learner licence with you whenever you're driving.
• Avoid towing: Learner drivers are not permitted to tow another vehicle or trailer.
• Follow all road rules: You must comply with Tasmanian road rules, just like any other driver.

These restrictions are designed to help you build your driving skills safely while gaining experience on the road.

How many logbook hours do you need in Tasmania?

Before you can take your P1 driving assessment, you'll need to:

• Hold your learner licence for at least 12 continuous months.
• Complete at least 80 supervised driving hours, including 15 hours of night driving.
• Pass the Hazard Perception Test (HPT).
• Meet the minimum age requirement of 17.

80 hours might sound like a lot, but there are ways to make your driving practice count.

Make the most of your driving lessons

In Tasmania, every hour of driving lessons with a certified driving instructor counts as two hours in your logbook, up to 20 hours.

Eligible learners may also receive five bonus logbook hours for completing the RYDA road safety education program.

Professional lessons are a great opportunity to practise skills you might find challenging, build confidence in different driving conditions and prepare for your practical driving assessment.

Find driving lessons in Hobart

Tasmanian provisional licence (P plate) restrictions

Once you're at least 17, have completed your learner requirements and passed your P1 driving assessment, you can progress to your provisional licence.

Tasmania has two provisional stages:

• P1 (red P plates): Your first stage of independent driving.
• P2 (green P plates): The final stage before your full licence.

You'll have more freedom than you did on your Ls, but there are still important rules to follow.

P1 (red P plate) restrictions in Tasmania

Your P1 licence is an exciting milestone. You can now drive independently without a supervising driver!

However, there are still restrictions designed to help you gain experience safely.

What are the rules for P1 drivers?

As a P1 driver in Tasmania, you must:

• Display red P plates: They must be clearly visible at the front and rear of your vehicle.
• Follow the 100 km/h speed limit: You cannot exceed 100 km/h, even when the posted limit is 110 km/h.
• Avoid mobile phone use: You cannot use your phone while driving, including hands-free and speaker mode. Pre-set music or GPS is permitted as long as you don't interact with your phone while driving.
• Maintain a zero BAC: You must not have alcohol in your system.
• Carry your licence: Keep your provisional licence with you whenever you drive.
• Follow peer passenger restrictions: These apply if you're under 25.
• Follow all Tasmanian road rules.

Can P1 drivers tow a trailer in Tasmania?

Yes! Unlike learner drivers, P1 drivers in Tasmania are permitted to tow a trailer.

Just make sure your red P plates remain visible. If your trailer blocks the rear P plate on your car, you'll need to display a P plate at the back of the trailer.

What is the P1 peer passenger rule?

If you're a P1 driver under 25, you can carry no more than one peer passenger aged 16 to 21 at a time.

This restriction applies whenever you're driving, not just at night.

There are exemptions for certain circumstances, including eligible work, essential activities and family situations.

If you're unsure whether an exemption applies to you, check the official Transport Tasmania guidance before driving.

How long do you stay on your red Ps in Tasmania?

You must hold your P1 licence for at least 12 continuous months before progressing to P2.

However, certain driving offences can restart your 12-month P1 period, such as:

• Speeding.
• Using a mobile phone while driving.
• Failing to wear a seatbelt.
• Failing to display your P plates correctly.
• Breaching peer passenger restrictions.

Suspensions and disqualifications can also affect your progression.

The best way to stay on track? Follow the road rules, drive safely and keep building your confidence behind the wheel.

P2 (green P plate) restrictions in Tasmania

Once you've successfully completed your P1 stage, you'll progress to your P2 licence.

This is your final step before getting your full driver's licence.

You'll have fewer restrictions than you did on your red Ps, giving you more independence on the road.

What are the rules for P2 drivers?

As a P2 driver in Tasmania, you must:

• Display green P plates: Your plates must be visible at the front and rear of your vehicle.
• Follow posted speed limits: The P1 maximum speed restriction of 100 km/h no longer applies.
• Maintain a zero BAC: You must continue to have no alcohol in your system.
• Carry your licence: Keep your provisional licence with you when driving.
• Follow all Tasmanian road rules.

P2 drivers can also use their phones in hands-free or speaker mode.

You can tow a trailer, and the P1 peer passenger restriction no longer applies.

How long do you stay on your green Ps in Tasmania?

The length of your P2 stage depends on your age when you begin it:

• Under 23: 2 years.
• 23 or 24: 12 months or until you turn 25, whichever is longer.
• 25 or older: 12 months.

Once you've completed your required provisional period and met the eligibility requirements, you can progress to your full licence.

What happens if you break the L or P plate rules?

Following your licence conditions is important for your safety and the safety of everyone sharing the road.

In Tasmania, learner and provisional drivers can have their licence suspended if they accumulate four or more demerit points within 12 months.

Depending on the offence, you could face:

• Demerit points.
• Fines.
• Licence suspension or disqualification.
• Delays progressing to your next licence stage.
• Restarting your P1 period for certain offences.

Demerit points and other offences may also affect your eligibility for the Safer Driver Reward.

Good habits make all the difference. Keep your phone out of reach, watch your speed, follow your passenger restrictions and give yourself plenty of time to get where you're going.

For more information, visit the official Transport Tasmania website.

Can you drive interstate with Tasmanian L or P plates?

Planning a road trip to the mainland?

Your Tasmanian learner or provisional licence is recognised across Australia, but you'll need to follow the relevant driving rules and licence conditions.

Here's what to remember:

• Follow your licence conditions: Your Tasmanian restrictions, including the 90 km/h learner limit and 100 km/h P1 limit, continue to apply.
• Follow local road rules: You must comply with the road rules of the state or territory you're driving in.
• Display your plates: Make sure your L or P plates are displayed correctly.
• Check before travelling: Some states and territories have additional requirements for visiting learner and provisional drivers.

If you're moving interstate permanently, you may need to transfer your licence within a specified timeframe. This varies depending on where you're moving.

Always check with the relevant state or territory transport authority before driving interstate.

Frequently asked questions

What is the speed limit for L and P platers in Tasmania?

Learner drivers have a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h, while P1 drivers are limited to 100 km/h.

P2 drivers can follow the posted speed limit.

You must always drive at or below the posted speed limit if it's lower than your licence's maximum speed.

Do L1 and L2 licences still exist in Tasmania?

No. Tasmania replaced its L1 and L2 learner licence stages with a single learner licence on 1 December 2020.

Learners must now hold their licence for at least 12 continuous months and complete 80 supervised driving hours, including 15 hours at night, before progressing to their P1 assessment.

How many passengers can a P1 driver have in Tasmania?

If you're a P1 driver under 25, you can carry no more than one peer passenger aged 16 to 21 at a time, unless an exemption applies.

The restriction applies at all times, not just at night.

P2 drivers are not subject to the P1 peer passenger restriction.

Can P platers use their phones in Tasmania?

Learner and P1 drivers cannot use their mobile phones while driving, including hands-free or speaker mode.

Pre-set music and GPS are permitted if you don't interact with your phone while driving.

P2 drivers can use hands-free and speaker mode.

Can L and P platers tow a trailer in Tasmania?

Learner drivers cannot tow a trailer or another vehicle.

P1 and P2 drivers can tow, as long as their P plates remain clearly visible.

How many demerit points can L and P platers have in Tasmania?

Learner, P1 and P2 drivers can face licence suspension if they accumulate four or more demerit points within 12 months.

Certain offences can also affect how quickly you progress through the provisional licence stages.

How many driving hours do you need to get your Ps in Tasmania?

You need at least 80 supervised driving hours, including 15 hours of night driving.

Lessons with a certified driving instructor count as double hours, up to 20 hours.

You'll also need to hold your learner licence for at least 12 continuous months, pass the Hazard Perception Test and meet the other P1 eligibility requirements.

Ready to take the next step?

Learning to drive is a big step, and understanding Tasmania's L and P plate rules will help you feel more confident behind the wheel.

Whether you're working towards your 80 logbook hours or getting ready for your P1 driving assessment, every drive is a chance to build your skills and become a safer driver.

Need a hand with your logbook hours?

Every hour of professional lessons counts double in your logbook, so it's a smart way to build hours and confidence at the same time.

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