Hazard Perception Test (HPT)
The day you get your licence will be a significant milestone in your life, statistically it can also be the day you will be most at risk. The potential of a road crash significantly increases the moment you successfully obtain your Provisional licence.
To decrease this number, there are measures put in place including the Hazard Perception Test (HPT).
Which state are you in?
NSW Hazard Perception Test (HPT)
If you want to progress from your L’s onto your P1 licence – you’ll have to do the Hazard Perception Test. It’s an online driving simulation test in which drivers identify hazards, and make safe driving choices when encountered with these hazards in real traffic situations. This is different to the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) that you have completed to get your Learner’s licence.
What is the Hazard Perception Test (HPT)?
The HPT is a computer touch screen test that measures your ability to recognise and respond to risky situations that can potentially occur in real traffic situations.
What is involved?
The test shows film clips of traffic situations, where you will be required to touch the screen when there is an action to be made in response to a potential hazard.
For example, you would touch the screen when you are going to overtake, slow down or make a turn into a road.
There are 15 film clips that you will need to respond to, and 2 additional practice questions before the test begins.
These situations will test your ability to:
- Make early decisions to avoid accidents
- Make safe decisions at intersections to avoid collisions
- Allow enough space for cyclists on the road
- Pay attention to your surroundings and potential hazards that may appear
- Choose gaps that are safe to make turns
- Determine whether it’s safe to overtake in certain road situations
When and how should I book in to take the Hazard Perception Test?
A learner driver can book in the HPT after having their L’s for at least 10 months. You’ll need to pass the HPT before you can book your driving test to get your provisional driver licence. Once you pass the HPT, it will only be valid for 15 months. After 15 months, you’ll need to do the HPT test again if you haven’t passed the driving test yet. Other than that, there aren’t many requirements for how long you need to wait between the two tests – so do it when you feel comfortable and ready!
What do I bring to the HPT?
You can make an online booking for the HPT on the RMS website, you just have to pay the $47 fee (if you don’t pass the test, you’ll then have to pay the fee again with each attempt).
You’ll need to bring your:
- Learners licence
- A filled out application form
- $47
Can I practice the Hazard Perception Test?
Well, technically you practice hazard perception and making safe driving choices every time you drive! However, you can always improve your hazard perception skills to ensure you have good hazard perception in all traffic situations.
There are few ways to help you increase your chance to pass the hazard perception test HPT on the first try:
- Complete the online practice test for the HPT before doing your test. There’s a total of 35 questions that you can practice. Keep practicing all of them until you get them correct.
- Read the Hazard Perception Handbook on the RMS website to help you prepare for the HPT.
- Complete a driving lesson focused on hazard perception with a driving instructor.
- Complete the Safer Drivers Course to learn about safe driving techniques and hazard detection both within and outside the car.
Safer Drivers Course
- 20 logbook hours
- Ability to identify hazards on the road
- Understanding of how to reduce crash risk
- Better understanding of being a safe P-plate driver
- Understanding of low-risk driving techniques
So what is a Hazard anyway?
A hazard is anything that you encounter while driving that is potentially dangerous and could lead to a crash or incident. This could include anything from pedestrians crossing the road, wet weather conditions, or the actions of other cars on the road.
Older drivers can also practice the Hazard Perception Test online to help them become more aware of hazards on the road. There’ll be practice tests, each with 7 practice questions for a total of 35.
Once you have finished the HPT
From 20th November 2017, you will need to complete the Driving Test once you have passed the Hazard Perception Test. After this, you will get your P1 Licence.
Find out more information about the new licence conditions from 20 November 2017.
If you have any questions about the Hazard Perception Test, or getting your licence or driving in general – give us a call on 02 8748 4500.
More information about the HPT at https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/driver/tests/hazard-perception-test.html
VIC Hazard Perception Test (HPT)
If you want to progress from your L’s onto your P1 licence – you’ll have to do the Hazard Perception Test (HPT). It’s an online driving simulation test to check that you’re able to recognise and respond to hazards as well as observe and respond to real traffic situations.
You must pass the Hazard Perception Test before attempting the Drive Test. You are only permitted to attempt the hazard perception test twice in one day. Once you pass both your HPT and drive test, you can get your probationary driver licence.
When and how should I book in to take the Hazard Perception Test?
To attempt the HPT, you must be at least 17 years and 11 months old and you can only attempt the test twice in one day. After you pass the HPT, the results are considered valid for 12 months after passing the test.
You’ll need to pass the HPT before you can take your driving test. Other than that, there aren’t many requirements for how long you need to wait between the two tests – so do it when you feel comfortable and ready!
The HPT can be booked online on the Vicroads website and the fee per attempt is $37.80.
What do I bring to the HPT?
You’ll need to bring your:
- Learner permit or original evidence of identity documents
- $37.80
How long is the HPT?
The Hazard Perception Test is 45 minutes long.
Can I practice the Hazard Perception Test?
Well, technically you practice hazard perception and making safe driving choices every time you drive! If you want to practice the HPT before you go in to do your test, Vicroads recommend their ‘Drive Smart’ program.
There are few ways to help you increase your chance to pass the hazard perception test HPT on the first try:
- Complete the online practice test for the HPT before doing your test. There’s 5 practice tests with a total of 35 questions that you can practice. Keep practicing all of them until you get them correct.
- Look through the myLearners website to learn more about the hazard perception in the 4 stages of the learner period.
- Complete a driving lesson focused on hazard perception with a driving instructor.
So what is a Hazard anyway?
A hazard is anything that you encounter while driving that is potentially dangerous and could lead to a crash or incident. This could include anything from pedestrians crossing the road, wet weather conditions, or the actions of other cars on the road.
If you have any questions about the Hazard Perception Test, or getting your licence or driving in general – give us a call on 1300 717 115