Tasmania · Knowledge testWhat is the hazard perception test?
Hazard perception is the ability to recognise threats and react so you avoid them safely, such as judging when you can turn right or slowing for a pedestrian crossing the road ahead. The hazard perception test (HPT) checks you’re ready to use those skills when you drive solo.
Tasmania brought in the HPT on 7 March 2022, between the learner and P1 stages, and Plates Plus says it’s a requirement for most learners. Putting it there is a key recommendation of the Australian Graduated Licensing System policy framework, which the Commonwealth, state and territory transport ministers endorsed in 2014.
When can you sit the hazard perception test in Tasmania?
With a learner licence, you can sit it any time from 3 months before your earliest P1 assessment date. You need a pass before you book the assessment.
Who needs to pass it
You need the HPT if you must do a practical driving assessment for a Tasmanian licence. That includes:
- Learner licence holders
- Interstate learners without proof of passing an HPT in the last 12 months
- Overseas licence holders from countries that aren’t recognised
- Overseas licence holders under 25 from experienced driver countries
Who doesn’t
You don’t need it if you:
- Already hold a provisional or full licence
- Held an L2 licence
- Are transferring with proof of passing an HPT in another Australian state or territory in the last 12 months
- Are doing a licence condition removal assessment or an occupational therapy driving assessment
The motorcycle and heavy vehicle licensing systems have no HPT requirement.
For practice, the Australia-wide hazard perception course on this site has general written scenarios, not material from Tasmania’s test.
Sources: Plates Plus and 1 more. Checked November 2026.
- Plates Plus (Tasmanian Government): Hazard perception test FAQs ↗
- Plates Plus (Tasmanian Government): Summary of novice car licensing pathway ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.
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