The Tasmania driving test and hazard perception

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain when you are allowed to sit the hazard perception test.
• You can list what you need before booking the P1 assessment.
• You can describe the six sections and two exercises of the assessment.
• You can name the criteria assessors use to mark your driving.
• You can prepare your car for the pre-drive vehicle check.

What you need to know and understand

• The hazard perception test is online, free, and can be retaken straight away if you fail.
• Novice learners can sit it from 3 months before the earliest test date shown on their learner licence.
• You must pass the hazard perception test before you can book your P1 driving assessment.
• To be eligible for the P1 assessment you need 12 months on your learner licence and 80 logged hours, including 15 at night.
• The on-road part runs for around 30 minutes over six sections: four of normal driving and two driving exercises.
• If you pass in an automatic car, you are limited to driving automatic cars.

The hazard perception test

Hazard perception is your ability to spot threats and react to avoid them, such as judging a safe gap to turn right or slowing for a pedestrian ahead. The test runs online on a computer, tablet or phone. You log in with your learner licence number and date of birth.

A desktop computer with a mouse in a quiet room gives the best experience. Our Tasmania hazard perception test guide explains who needs it and how to practise.

Booking and preparing for the P1 assessment

• Book online or in person with a government assessor, or directly with an authorised P1 driving assessor. Fees and availability vary, so check before you book.
• Assessments run in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport, plus a list of regional towns.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early with your licence, logbook, L plates and supervisor.
• Your car must be roadworthy and clean. The assessor will ask you to start it, work the brake lights and both indicators, and select reverse gear.

What happens during the drive

1. Four sections of normal driving, following directions to turn or stop and otherwise following signs. One section includes a merge or lane change on a road with a limit of at least 80 km/h.
2. Exercise one, left something behind: drive off, then on cue find the first safe and legal place to turn around, drive back past the start, turn around again and park in the same spot.
3. Exercise two, visit a friend: pass a target car, turn around at the first safe and legal place on your own judgement, then reverse parallel park behind it.
4. At the end the assessor gives feedback, a copy of your assessment sheet and your result.

How you are marked

Assessors score seven criteria: look (mirror and head checks), signal (including at least 5 seconds before moving off from the kerb), flow, movement, path, responsiveness to hazards, and vehicle management. A stall is not an automatic fail if you recover calmly.

Common mistakes

• Skipping head checks when changing lanes or pulling out. Look is checked often, especially in complex traffic.
• Signalling for less than 5 seconds before moving off from the kerb.
• Choosing an illegal or unsafe place to turn around in the exercises, such as across a continuous line.
• Turning up with a car that has a blown brake light or warning lights on the dashboard.

Test yourself: The Tasmania driving test and hazard perception

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

Go deeper

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