Trade business costs · TAS · 2026-27
Do mechanics need a licence in Tasmania?
No licence required - $0. A mechanic does not need a repairer's licence in Tasmania. Motor vehicle repairers are licensed in NSW, WA and the ACT, but not here. Running a workshop still carries the fixed costs below.
What it costs to run a mechanic business in Tasmania
The licence is the cost everyone googles - it's rarely the one that hurts. Here's the rest of the fixed-cost picture for mechanics in Tasmania, all 2026-27 figures:
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing | $0 | No repairer licence required in this state |
| Vehicle rego | $793/yr | Includes MAIB (CTP). Cylinders + GVM based. Cheapest mainland-comparable state. |
| WorkCover | 1.76% of wages | Only if you employ anyone. ANZSIC 9419 Other Automotive Repair and Maintenance suggested premium rate 2026-27 (WorkSafe Tas). |
| Public liability | ~$750/yr | Public liability $10M cover - mid-range for sole trader on $100-200K revenue. Range: $550-$1,200. |
How TAS compares: mechanic licence fees by state
| State | Annualised licence cost |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | $242/yr |
| Victoria | $0 |
| Queensland | $0 |
| Western Australia | $411/yr |
| South Australia | $0 |
| Tasmania | $0 |
| ACT | $403/yr |
| Northern Territory | $0 |
Other trades: electricians in TAS · plumbers in TAS · builders in TAS
These costs are why your hourly rate isn't your wage
Every dollar above has to come out of the jobs you do - before you've paid yourself a cent. If your charge-out rate was set by asking around, it may not carry these costs plus the vehicle, tools, fuel and the quiet weeks.
Two minutes in our free hourly rate calculator shows what you're actually keeping per hour. figrd works the same numbers out in the quote builder, from your own costs, every time you price a job.
Get set up with figrdFigures are for the 2026-27 financial year, last reviewed 2026-06-28. Annualised licence costs spread multi-year renewals across each year. Where a regulator had not yet published its 2026-27 fees at that review, the current fee is shown. WorkCover rates are base or suggested rates - your actual premium depends on claims history - and insurance figures are market estimates, not official rates. Always confirm current figures with your state regulator before relying on them. This is general information, not financial advice.