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Tasmania Learner Logbook Hours: Complete 2026 Guide
TAS learner drivers need 80 documented hours behind the wheel before they can sit the practical driving test. That’s 65 hours during the day and 15 after dark. Here’s how the requirements work and how to get through them.
TAS learner requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total logbook hours | 80 |
| Daytime hours | 65 |
| Night hours | 15 |
| Minimum learner age | 16 |
| Minimum learner period | 12 months |
| Supervisor minimum age | 21 |
| Licensing authority | Service Tasmania |
Night driving rules in TAS
Night driving in Tasmania counts from sunset to sunrise. The hours shift with the seasons — in winter (June-August), sunset can be as early as 5 PM. In summer (December-February), it might not get dark until 8:30 PM or later.
Winter is actually the best time to rack up night hours. Darkness comes early, so you can start an evening session straight after school or work and still be home at a reasonable time.
Plan to start about 30 minutes before sunset so you get comfortable in fading light. 15 hours sounds like a lot, but at one or two evening sessions per week you’ll finish within a couple months.
Supervisor requirements
Your supervising driver must be at least 21 and hold a full (not provisional) licence.
They sit in the front passenger seat, stay alert, and must be ready to take over if needed. Zero blood alcohol — your supervisor can’t have any alcohol in their system while you’re driving on your Ls.
Instructor bonus hours in TAS
Tasmania offers a 2-for-1 instructor bonus. Every hour you drive with a licensed instructor counts as 2 hours in your logbook, up to a cap of 10 actual instructor hours (20 logbook hours credited).
That’s a big deal. 20 hours knocked off your total from just 10 hours of professional instruction. Most learners should max this out — it saves time and the instructor hours tend to be higher quality practice anyway.
Book your instructor lessons early in your learner period. The bonus hours give you a head start, and the skills you pick up from a professional will make your supervised sessions with family more productive.
RYDA Program
The RYDA road safety education program earns you 5 bonus logbook hours. It’s usually delivered through schools. Check with your school to see if they run the program.
Speed restrictions
Learner drivers in TAS are limited to 90 km/h, regardless of the posted speed limit. Keep an eye on your speedometer on highways where the limit is 100 or 110 — you’ll need to stay in the left lane and be aware of faster traffic.
No age exemption
Unlike some other states, TAS doesn’t offer a logbook exemption based on age. Everyone logs the full 80 hours, regardless of how old you are.
How to plan your 80 logbook hours
You’ve got a 12-month minimum learner period. If you spread your hours evenly across that time, that’s about 2 hours a week. Completely manageable.
| Timeline | Sessions per week | Session length | Total time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steady (40 weeks) | 2 | 1 hour | ~40 weeks |
| Moderate (20 weeks) | 3-4 | 1 hour | ~20 weeks |
| Intensive (14 weeks) | 5-6 | 1 hour | ~14 weeks |
Consistency matters more than marathon sessions. Two hours spread across the week builds better habits than a single 4-hour block on Sunday.
Night hours are 19% of your total. Don’t leave them all until the end — mix in one evening session per week from the start and they’ll be done well before you finish your daytime hours.
Max out your instructor bonus early. Those credited hours take a real chunk out of your total and let you focus the rest of your time on areas that need work.
How TAS compares to other states and territories
Tasmania’s 80-hour requirement sits in the middle of Australian states. Here’s how all states compare:
| State/Territory | Total Hours | Night Hours |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | 120 | 20 |
| VIC | 120 | 20 |
| QLD | 100 | 10 |
| ACT | 100 | 10 |
| TAS | 80 | 15 |
| SA | 75 | 15 |
| WA | 50 | 5 |
| NT | None | N/A |
See all state requirements for the full breakdown.
Tracking your logbook hours
Tracking 80 hours on paper works until you lose the book. Or forget to log a drive. Or can’t read your own handwriting three months later. Moda logs every session, breaks it down by day and night, and shows you exactly how far through TAS’s requirements you are. When it’s time for your practical test, export your logbook as a PDF.
How many logbook hours do you need in TAS?
Tasmania requires 80 total supervised logbook hours. 15 must be at night and 65 during the day.
What counts as night driving in TAS?
Night driving in Tasmania is defined as sunset to sunrise. The exact times vary by season and location. You need 15 hours of night driving in your logbook.
How long do you need to hold your Ls in TAS?
You must hold your learner licence for at least 12 months in Tasmania before you can sit the practical driving test.
How old do you have to be to get your Ls in TAS?
You can apply for your learner licence in Tasmania at age 16.
Who can supervise a learner driver in TAS?
Your supervisor must be at least 21 with a full licence (not provisional). They must have zero blood alcohol concentration while supervising.
Does TAS offer an instructor bonus for logbook hours?
Yes. Tasmania offers a 2-for-1 instructor bonus. Each hour with a licensed instructor counts as 2 logbook hours, up to the cap specified by Service Tasmania.
Does TAS accept a digital logbook?
Service Tasmania accepts printed logbook records. Moda exports your logbook as a PDF that meets TAS’s format requirements. Print it and bring it to your practical test appointment.
How long does it take to finish 80 logbook hours?
At 2-3 sessions per week, most learners finish in 27 to 40 weeks. With the instructor bonus, you can reduce the total significantly.
Calculate your remaining hours
Enter the hours you've already completed to see what's left.