The Driver Qualification Test (DQT) is a two-part test that allows you to move from your green Ps to a full licence.
Part 1
Part 1 is a knowledge test of safe driving practices. The test consists of 15 multiple-choice questions, each with 4 possible responses. You get 3 practice questions with feedback before you begin Part 1.
It is an advanced version of the Driver Knowledge Test you passed to get your Ls. The questions can test any information from the Roads and Maritime Services’ Driver Qualification Handbook. You should read this Handbook and then revise using the Driving Test NSW summary. The summary condenses and synthesises the 116-page Handbook into 28 pages. Due to the focussed nature of the summary’s content, it is perfect for solidifying your knowledge and enables quicker and more targeted revision as you approach the test.
Unfortunately, the questions for the DQT are not publicly available and practice tests are therefore not available. However, Driving Test NSW provides a number of study tips based on feedback from people who have successfully passed the DQT.
Part 2
Part 2 is an advanced version of the Hazard Perception Test (HPT) you passed to get your green Ps. Part 2 tests your ability to recognise and respond to potentially dangerous situations and react appropriately.
The test is made up of 10 film clips of real traffic situations (randomly selected from a large pool of questions) to which you will be asked to respond. In the film clips you see what the driver sees and are told what the driver wants to do. At the beginning of each DQT film clip you will be told about the situation. For example, you might be shown the following text:
You are driving along a 2-way street in a 60km/h speed zone. You wish to keep driving straight ahead. Touch the screen when you would slow down.
To help you understand the situation, the clip will be paused for 3 seconds before it starts playing. The dashboard will show the speed and if indicators are operating.
During the film clip you will need to touch the screen if and when you think an action is required. The questions are more difficult in the DQT compared to the HPT 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 may have to touch the screen multiple times, but you should only touch the screen once for each action.
Just like when you are driving on a real road, the DQT may show you situations where it would be unsafe to take an action such as turning or overtaking. If you think it would be unsafe to act you should not touch the screen. Just like real driving where you only get one chance to respond to a situation, you will only be allowed to see each item once and cannot change your response once submitted.
If you touch the screen during a clip you will hear a sound and the picture will flash – indicating the computer has recorded your response. The film clip will continue to run and you should remain focussed in case there is another opportunity to take action. If you did not touch the screen the clip will continue to play to the end without a sound or flash.
You do not receive feedback after each clip as in the practice.
There are 2 practice questions available at the beginning of Part 2 of the DQT. These questions are just like the actual questions but you get feedback on whether your response was good, could have been better or was unsafe. You get the chance to repeat the clip if your response was unsafe or needed improvement.
For administrative details including fees and booking information, refer to the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) website to ensure you access the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Check out the other resources available to help you pass the Driver Qualification Test and get your full (unrestricted) licence:
For comprehensive information on the full NSW licence and Driver Qualification Test, please refer to the Roads and Maritime Services website. The above information is a summary of this content and although current when published may now be outdated. To ensure you are accessing the most current and accurate information, use the RMS website or visit your nearest Service NSW centre.
L Plates (Learners)
Red P Plates (P1)
Green P Plates (P2)
Full Licence