Home education in Tasmania (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: In Tasmania a child aged at least 5 on 1 January must be enrolled at a school or home educated by a registered home educator. The Registrar approves a one-year home education programme after a visit and advice from the Tasmanian Home Education Advisory Council. Parents commit an offence if neither applies without a reasonable excuse.

RuleWhat applies
Legal status of home educationChildren of compulsory school agePermitted with prior authorisation [1]
Nature of the parental dutyChildren of compulsory school ageDuty to attend or be enrolled at school [1]
Approval or notification neededChildren of compulsory school ageA parent applies for approval of a proposed home education programme for one year. A registration officer visits and reports, the Tasmanian Home Education Advisory Council gives advice, and the Registrar approves or refuses the programme. The Registrar may approve only if the programme meets the standards set in the regulations. [1]
Compulsory schooling ageChildren of compulsory school ageA child who is at least 5 years of age as at 1 January in a year must be enrolled at a school, or provided with home education by a registered home educator, until the child is issued with a transition statement unless exempted under Part 3 of the Act. [1]

Notes

  • A parent applies to the Registrar to approve a proposed home education programme for a period of one year. The Registrar considers a registration officer's report and advice from the Tasmanian Home Education Advisory Council.

Sources

  1. Tasmanian Government (Tasmanian Legislation Online): Education Act 2016 (Tasmania), current version (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Tasmania

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and local roads up to 50 km/h · Minimum age: 16
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h sealed, 80 km/h gravel
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, since 1 May 2025 · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (P1 licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Prescribed illicit drug present is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC present
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes, on Cracker Night (permit) · Minimum age to buy: 18 (permit holder)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, visitors and temporary visa holders · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent residency: convert within 6 months
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without lawful excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
  • MopedsLicence: Motor cycle licence (class R)
  • Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
  • Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Mounted or untouched; L/P1: none
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
  • Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, all homes · Minimum alarms and where: A smoke alarm in every hallway or corridor connected to bedrooms (or between the bedrooms and the rest of the home if there is no hallway). Multi-storey homes need an alarm on each level, including levels without bedrooms.
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

Compare with the other states and provinces →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.