After you pass in Tasmania: P-plate rules and your licence

By the end of this topic you can

• You can list the conditions that apply on P1 and on P2.
• You can apply the peer passenger rule and its exemptions.
• You can display P plates correctly, including when towing.
• You can work out how long your P2 stage will last.
• You can explain how to qualify for the safer driver reward.

What you need to know and understand

• P1 drivers: red on white P plates, maximum 100 km/h, BAC 0.00, no phone use at all, carry your licence.
• P1 drivers under 25 may carry only one peer passenger aged 16 to 21, at any time of day, unless an exemption applies.
• After 12 continuous months on P1 without restart offences, disqualification or suspension, you move to P2 without needing a new card.
• P2 drivers: green on white P plates, may drive at the posted limit, may use a phone hands-free or on speaker, BAC 0.00.
• P1 and P2 drivers may tow a trailer, but if the trailer hides the rear P plate you must put one on the trailer.
• Tasmanian provisional pages do not list a general night-time curfew for P platers; night limits can only be imposed through case management after an offence.

The peer passenger rule in practice

A peer passenger is someone aged 16 to 21. These people do not count:

• anyone under 16 or 22 and over
• your spouse or a partner you live with
• immediate family, such as siblings, step or half siblings, and parents or guardians

Exemptions you can rely on

You do not need to apply for an exemption, but you must be able to show police you qualify. Exemptions cover driving for work or to and from work, education or training, medical purposes, emergency services duties, undue hardship, and driving with a full Australian licence holder in the front passenger seat ready to give instruction. That person must not have had a demerit point suspension or disqualification in the last 12 months.

Plates Plus offers a peer passenger exemption form you can carry, ideally with a signed letter from your employer or school.

How long until your full licence

To earn the safer driver reward you must be licensed in Tasmania for the whole of both P stages, record no demerit points, and avoid any offence leading to disqualification, suspension or cancellation. Our guide to getting your full licence in Tasmania and the safer driver reward explains the details.

• P1: at least 12 continuous months.
• P2 if you are under 23 when it starts: 2 years.
• P2 if you are 23 or 24: 12 months or until you turn 25, whichever is longer.
• P2 if you are 25 or older: 12 months.

Common mistakes

• Giving three school friends aged 17 a lift to the beach on P1. Only one peer passenger is allowed unless an exemption applies.
• Moving to P2 and thinking a light drink is now fine. P2 still means 0.00.
• Using a phone in a cradle on P1. Only P2 and full licence holders may make hands-free calls.
• Towing a trailer that hides your rear P plate without fitting a plate to the trailer.

Test yourself: After you pass in Tasmania: P-plate rules and your licence

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Getting Your Full Licence in Tasmania and the Safer Driver Reward
• Learning to Drive in Tasmania
• Tasmania Hazard Perception Test