The Driver Qualification Test (DQT) is a two-part test that allows you to move from your green Ps to a full licence. You can attempt the DQT when you have accumulated at least 24 months experience on your green Ps.
Part 1 is a Knowledge Test of safe driving practices. The test consists of 15 multiple-choice questions, each with 4 possible responses. It is an advanced version of the Driver Knowledge Test you passed to get your Ls. The questions can test any information from the RMS Driver Qualification Handbook. You get 3 practice questions with feedback before you begin Part 1.
Part 2 is an advanced version of the Hazard Perception test you passed to get your green Ps. It tests your ability to recognise and respond to potentially dangerous situations and react appropriately. The 10 questions are more difficult this time as the clips are longer and may require multiple responses (more than one safe gap, overtaking opportunity or hazard requiring you to slow down). You get 2 practice questions with feedback before you begin Part 2.
Crash patterns for provisional and full licence holders in NSW
Most crashes in NSW occur:
- On sealed roads, in fine weather and in daylight
- In 60 km/h speed zones (about 67%)
- Monday to Friday between 9am and 3pm (about 23%)
Crash patterns for provisional, first year full licence and more experienced full licence drivers are different.
5 most common crash types
- Colliding with the rear of another vehicle travelling in the same direction
- Colliding with other vehicles from the side (adjacent), usually at intersections
- Collisions with vehicles from opposing directions
- Running off on a straight section and hitting something
- Running off on a curve or bend and hitting something
| Provisional licence |
Full licence (1st year) |
Full licence (more than 5 yrs) |
|
| 1. Rear collision | 29% | 33% | 35% |
| 2. Adjacent collision | 17% | 17% | 19% |
| 3. Opposite collision | 16% | 15% | 16% |
| 4. Straight run-off | 10% | 9% | 6% |
| 5. Curved run-off | 8% | 8% | 4% |
| All others | 20% | 18% | 20% |
Drivers with more experience have more crashes where they run into the back of another vehicle and run off the road less (straight or curved). So people get better at staying on the road but follow too closely behind other vehicles.
Figures for the other crash types remain consistent regardless of experience suggesting that turning, crossing intersections and overtaking remain a challenge regardless of experience.
The main risks seem to be:
- Following too closely behind other vehicles
- Driving too fast for the conditions
- Not scanning far enough ahead when driving
- Failing to choose safe gaps when making turns, crossing intersections or overtaking
Alcohol and fatigue are also major contributors to crashes.
Summary: Crash types
- Increased experience means fewer run-off crashes but more rear-end crashes
- Experienced drivers may travel too close behind other vehicles and travel too fast for the conditions
Continue reading the Driver Qualification Handbook Summary:
1. Background Information
2. Understanding and Managing Risk
Check out the other resources available to help you pass the Driver Qualification Test and get your full (unrestricted) licence:
L Plates (Learners)
Red P Plates (P1)
Green P Plates (P2)
Full Licence