The Hazard Perception Test (HPT) is a touch-screen computer-based test that assesses your ability to recognise and react appropriately to potentially dangerous situations. The test is made up of 15 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 HPT 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. Actions include slowing down, overtaking or crossing an intersection. Just like when you are driving on a real road, the HPT 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 may run for another few seconds, but there is no need to touch the screen again. If you did not touch the screen the clip will continue to play to the end without a sound or flash.
You must confirm whether you did or did not touch the screen after each film clip.
You do not receive feedback after each clip as in the practice.
There are 2 practice questions available at the beginning of the HPT. 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 Hazard Perception Test so you can take the Practical Driving Test:
For comprehensive information on the learner licence and Hazard Perception 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)
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