The Answer
🎂
Voting, drinking, driving upgrades, contracts, and legal responsibilities when you turn 18 in Tasmania.
What Changes at 18
| Area | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Voting | You must enrol and vote — it's compulsory in Australia |
| Alcohol | You can legally buy and consume alcohol |
| Driving | May upgrade to P2 or full licence depending on when you started (in TAS, full licence at 20) |
| Contracts | You can sign contracts, take out loans, get a credit card |
| Gambling | You can legally gamble (casinos, TAB, online) |
| Tattoos | You can get a tattoo without parental consent |
| Jury duty | You can be called for jury service |
| Criminal law | You're tried as an adult. Criminal record is permanent |
| Super | Your employer has been paying super since your first job. Check your balance. |
| Tax | If you earned under $18,200, you'll likely get all withheld tax back. Lodge a return. |
To-Do List When You Turn 18
- Enrol to vote — at aec.gov.au. It's compulsory. You'll be fined if you don't vote.
- Get your proof of age card — from https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/licensing
- Check your super — log into myGov and find your super balance. Make sure you only have one fund.
- Lodge a tax return — if you worked during the year, you probably have a refund waiting
- Consider a TFSA or savings plan — you can now open any financial account independently
Driving at 18 in TAS
In Tasmania, you get your full licence at age 20. At 18, you may still be on P1 or P2 plates depending on when you started. P-plate drivers have a zero BAC limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to enrol to vote?
Yes. Electoral enrolment is compulsory for all Australian citizens aged 18+. You can enrol online at aec.gov.au. Once enrolled, voting is also compulsory.
Can I get a full licence at 18 in TAS?
In Tasmania, the minimum age for a full licence is 20. At 18, you may still be on P plates.
Should I lodge a tax return?
If you earned any income, yes. Most 18-year-olds earn under $18,200 and get all their withheld tax back as a refund. Lodge through myTax — it takes 10 minutes.
What Changed
Apr 2026
Verified for Tasmania