Hazard Perception Test TAS (HPT)

A Tasmanian novice learner holds the licence for at least 12 continuous months and completes 80 logbook hours, 15 of them at night. The HPT fits near the end of that stage: it opens 3 months before the earliest P1 assessment date and has to be passed before that assessment is booked.

Who can sit it, and when

With a novice learner or L1 licence, you can sit the test any time from 3 months before your earliest P1 practical assessment date. Non-novice learners, and people converting some overseas licences, can sit it straight after passing the driver knowledge test. Your supervised hours do not need to be finished first. The test was introduced on 7 March 2022 and is now required for most learners.

What happens in the sitting

Each clip shows a driving situation. You click Take action when it is safe to act or when you need to avoid a hazard, and let the clip play out if no action is safe. Only four actions appear, one per clip: overtake, move off, turn right and slow down. All 25 clips must be attempted before a score is calculated. You have 45 minutes, most people need about 20, and you should allow another 5 to 10 minutes for the instructions and practice questions.

Where to sit it

Online through Plates Plus, anywhere you have internet access. Without home internet or mobile data you can use a library, a community online access centre, a Service Tasmania public access computer, which is not a knowledge test terminal, or a school outside class time.

If you do not pass

You can try again straight away, with no lock-out and no limit on attempts. You cannot see which questions you got wrong. A pass is valid for 12 months, and if you do not pass the practical driving assessment within that time you must pass the HPT again.

Preparing, and what else the agency says

Plates Plus recommends doing the optional practice test before your first attempt. If you are transferring a learner licence from another state and have already passed a hazard perception test there, its FAQs explain how to prove it.