5: Hazard Perception Test

After passing your Practical Driving Assessment and completing your log book requirements, you will then be required to take a Hazard Perception Test (HPT) before being granted your provisional driver's licence (P plates).

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Important notes - please read first

If you were issued your learners permit after 29 June 2008, you cannot undertake a Hazard Perception Test until a mandatory 6-month period has elapsed since passing your practical driving assessment, you have reached 17 years of age and you have completed a minimum of 25 hours’ supervised driving.

About the Hazard Perception Test

The Hazard Perception Test (HPT) is a computer-based test featuring a series of moving traffic scenes. Although it is computer based, you don’t need computer skills to be able to take the test. Staff are on hand to explain what you need to do and simple on-screen instructions will guide you.

The test will be used to measure your ability to assess traffic situations and make safe driving decisions. Displaying a series of moving traffic scenes on the screen, the test requires you to respond to each scene by clicking a mouse to indicate when it is safe to commence a manoeuvre or when it is necessary to take appropriate action to reduce the risk of a crash. The recorded response time, or lack of response from you, will then be compared to the recommended response (or no response) times required to pass the test.

Download the HPT information booklet below to find out:

  • Why you have to sit the hazard perception test
  • How the test works
  • Where you can sit the test
  • What to do if you can’t read English
  • Screen shots to familiarise yourself with the test
  • What happens when you finish the test.

Practice online

To test your skills and learn more about what you'll need to know practice on our online interactive HPT simulator. You should also get as much supervised driving experience as you can before you take the test.

  • You may need to download the free Adobe Flash Player to view this test.

Taking this sample test will give you a taste of the skills you need before taking the real Hazard Perception Test.

In this sample test you'll need to demonstrate you know how to:

  • overtake other road users safely;
  • slow down at the right time; and
  • turn at an intersection at the right time.

Instructions

  • Click the left mouse button or press your keyboards space-bar when you think its the right time to attempt one of the skills listed above.
  • Click on the "Continue" button to begin.

Taking the test for real

  • This is a cut-down sample version of the Hazard Perception Test.
  • The actual test contains actual video footage of different drivng scenarios.
  • This simple animation will give you a good idea of what to expect in the actual test.
  • If you need more practice then you can request a CD containing a sample test with the actual video footage by contacting us.

 


External LinkAdobe Flashplayer
Hazard Perception Test (HPT) application (Form MDL72) KB
Hazard Perception Test (booklet) KB

How and where to sit the Hazard Perception Test

You can sit the Hazard Perception Test (HPT) at any Driver and Vehicle Services Centre or regional Agent. You do not need to make an appointment.

  1. Take your completed log book with you (showing at least 25 hours of driving experience signed off by your instructor/supervisor and an authorised witness).
  2. Your log book will be verified by us and once you have paid the relevant fees, you will be directed to a computer.
  3. You will be provided with instructions and a practice test. You can do the practice test as many times as you like but once you start the real test, you must complete it - you cannot go back to change your responses.
  4. The system will record your response time for each of the 28 videos in the hazard perception test.
  5. When you have finished the test you should go to the counter where we will look up your test results and tell you how you went.

More detailed information, including screen shots, is provided in the booklet above.

Note: If you have difficulties with the English language you can have an Interpreter sit with you during the introduction and practice session of the test. The Interpreter can not sit with you once the real test begins.

Exemptions from Hazard Perception Test (HPT)

It has not been possible to provide state-wide coverage for the HPT and as a result a number of locations do not have this facility.

An exemption may be granted where it is proven that you live outside a radius of more than 100 kilometres from an HPT location.

If you believe you may be eligible for an exemption, you will be required to complete an 'Exemption from the Hazard Perception Test' application form. On completion of the form you must send it to your nearest Driver and Vehicle Services Centre or regional Agent . A letter will be sent to you advising of the decision.

Learners exempted from the HPT are still required to comply with the other aspects of the graduated driver training and licensing system. If you were issued your learners permit after 29 June 2008, you cannot be issued with a driver's licence until:

  • a mandatory six month period has elapsed since passing your practical driving assessment;
  • you have reached 17 years of age; and
  • you have completed a minimum of 25 hours supervised driving.

What happens next?

If you are unsuccessful you can take the test again another day but you need to pay a fee every time you sit the test.

If you successfully complete the hazard perception test you will have your photo taken.  Once you have paid the licence fee, you will be issued with a provisional licence.  For more information, go to Step 6. Provisional licence.


Exemption from Hazard Perception Test KB

How much does it cost?

Please refer to the schedule of fees for driver licences below.
Driver licence fees (includes fees for learner drivers) KB