Photo: Wiki ian, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Tasmanian P1 practical driving assessment is the test that takes you from L plates to solo driving on red Ps. It runs for about 30 minutes on the road, in six sections, with an assessor and a camera in the car. Two of the sections are set exercises: “left something behind” and “visit a friend” (a reverse parallel park). This guide covers eligibility, booking, the car check, each section and what the assessor marks.
Can you book the P1 assessment yet?
Tick every box first:
- You are at least 17.
- You have held your learner licence for 12 continuous months (9 months for former L2 holders).
- You have logged 80 hours including 15 at night (50 for former L2 holders), and your logbook declaration is signed or made in the app.
- You have passed the Hazard Perception Test in the last 12 months, unless you are exempt. The booking system blocks you otherwise.
Booking: government or authorised assessor
- Government assessor: book online through Transport Services, or in person at Service Tasmania. You must book in person if you need an interpreter or are being assessed on King or Flinders Island.
- Authorised P1 Driving Assessor: private assessors approved by the department, listed in a PDF on the Transport Services driving assessments page. Book with them directly. They may charge extra and may have earlier times. The department says southern Tasmania has high demand and longer waits.
- You can’t be assessed by an authorised assessor who gave you instruction during your L2 licensing stage.
- Fee: $108.93 including GST for a novice P1 assessment with a government assessor, as of November 2026.
- Where: Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport, plus authorised assessor locations and rural sites such as Smithton, Queenstown, St Helens, Scottsdale, Sorell, Deloraine and others on the current locations list.
Is your car suitable for the P1 assessment?
If your car fails these checks, the assessment may not start:
- registered and roadworthy, reasonably clean and tidy
- a working handbrake between the front seats, where the assessor can reach it easily
- a windscreen that is clean and not cracked or obscured within the arc of the wipers
- working brake lights, indicators (left, right and side indicators, with no white light showing) and reverse lights
- side and rear-view mirrors in good condition, and working wipers and demisters
- no brake, red stability control, ABS or SRS (airbag) warning light on the dash, and no low fuel light with a low gauge
- at least 1.5 mm of tread across the whole width of every tyre, and no flat tyres.
Your booking confirmation includes a vehicle checklist. Go through it before the day and again on the morning. If you pass in an automatic, your licence will be automatic only.
On the day: what to bring and the vehicle check
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Bring your learner licence, your logbook (or the app with the declaration, phone charged), L plates and your supervisor.
- The assessor does a vehicle check with you in the driver’s seat. You will be asked to start the car, work the brake lights, use the left and right indicators, and select reverse (without reversing).
- The assessor attaches a camera and gives a pre-brief. You get directions to turn or stop. Otherwise you follow signs and markings. The assessor will not ask you to do anything illegal or unsafe.
The six sections of the Tasmanian P1 assessment
| Section type | What happens |
|---|---|
| Four driving sections | Normal driving from point A to B on the assessor’s directions. One includes a merge or lane change on a road with a speed limit of at least 80 km/h |
| Exercise 1: left something behind | You drive off along the street. When told “you’ve left something behind”, find the first safe and legal place to turn around without going around the block. Drive back past the start, turn around a second time, and park in the same spot you started from |
| Exercise 2: visit a friend | The assessor points out a “friend’s car” parked on the other side of the road. Drive past it, choose the first safe and legal place to turn around (the assessor won’t prompt you), pull up alongside the target car and reverse parallel park into the space behind it. Sometimes the order is reversed |
Before each exercise you pull over and the assessor explains exactly what to do. The assessor notes your driving at the end of each section, mostly while stopped.
What the assessor is looking for
You are marked against seven criteria:
- Look: mirror and head checks at the right times, especially when slowing, turning, changing lanes, merging, and leaving or returning to the kerb. Checks increase on complex tasks.
- Signal: indicate whenever you turn or diverge, and for at least 5 seconds before moving off from a stationary position.
- Flow: putting the pieces together smoothly. If you stall, restart and carry on without wasting time.
- Movement: smooth use of accelerator, gears and brakes, and stopping in the right place.
- Path: accurate steering, for example not swinging wide after a turn taken too fast.
- Responsiveness: hazard awareness and leaving space “just in case” someone else makes a mistake.
- Vehicle management: seat position, not riding the clutch, and noticing dash warnings, from the moment you get in.
Results and feedback
Back at the start, the assessor explains what you did well and what to work on, and tells you whether you passed. You may get a feedback form and a copy of your assessment sheet. If you don’t pass, you don’t need more logbook hours, but keep the app so you can show the declaration next time. If you pass, you get your P1 licence and the rules in Tasmanian P1 and P2 rules apply straight away.
Common questions
How long is the Tasmanian P1 test?
The on-road part runs for around 30 minutes, plus the vehicle check, pre-brief and feedback.
Is there a camera in the car?
Yes. The assessor attaches a camera at the start and says a few things to it for the recording.
Do I have to do a reverse parallel park?
Yes. The “visit a friend” exercise ends with a reverse parallel park behind a target car. For general parking rules see parking rules in Australia.
Can I do a U-turn in “left something behind”?
You choose the first safe and legal way to turn around, without driving around the block. A U-turn is fine where it is legal and the road is wide enough. The handbook lists where U-turns are banned.
Should I bring my supervisor?
Yes. You are still a learner when you arrive, and the official brochure lists a supervisor among the things you may need. Transport Services also asks you to bring only your supervisory driver, as others will be turned away.
Who can I ask about my assessment?
The Driver Assessment Client Support Program on 6166 3171.
Back to learning to drive in Tasmania. Brush up on roundabout rules and merging and changing lanes before the 80 km/h section.
Sources
- Department of State Growth, “About your driving assessment” brochure, English version December 2022 (transport.tas.gov.au)
- Transport Services Tasmania, “Driving assessments” (transport.tas.gov.au)
- Transport Services Tasmania, “About your driving assessment” (transport.tas.gov.au)
- Transport Services Tasmania, “What are the criteria for car driving assessments” (transport.tas.gov.au)
- Transport Services Tasmania, “Suitable vehicle guidelines” (transport.tas.gov.au)
- Transport Services Tasmania, “Booking an assessment online (Government Assessor)” (transport.tas.gov.au)
- Transport Services Tasmania, “Licensing and assessment fees” (transport.tas.gov.au)
- Department of State Growth, “Getting your P1s” and “Logbook frequently asked questions” (platesplus.tas.gov.au)