Hazard Perception Test in Australia: NSW, VIC and QLD Guide

The Hazard Perception Test (HPT) is a computer-based test of how quickly and safely you respond to developing traffic situations. In NSW, Victoria and Queensland you must pass it before you can take the practical driving test for your Ps. You watch short video clips filmed from the driver's seat and touch the screen or click when you would slow down, overtake, turn or keep going. Each state runs its own version with different timing, formats and fees.

Here's how it works in the three largest states, as of 2026.

The HPT in three states

NSW

• When: if you're under 25, after holding your learner licence for at least 10 months. If you're 25 or older, as soon as you have your learner licence.
• Format: 15 short videos, preceded by 2 practice videos. For each, you touch the screen to show when you'd slow down, overtake or turn at an intersection.
• Fee: $58 each attempt (fees effective 1 July 2026). You can take it as many times as you need.
• Languages: English, Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Greek, Korean, Serbian, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese, with audio versions and free interpreters for other languages.
• After passing: you have 15 months to pass the Driving Test, or you'll need to sit the HPT again.

NSW publishes a free Hazard Perception Handbook. Transport for NSW warns that third-party practice tests aren't connected to it and aren't the same as the NSW HPT.

Victoria

• When: you need a current Victorian learner permit and to be at least 17 years and 11 months old.
• Format: up to 45 minutes, with 25 short videos. You react by slowing down, stopping or maintaining speed. If you don't respond in time or choose wrongly, you won't pass.
• Online or in person: your first online attempt is free (you need a myVicRoads account). VicRoads' fee page lists further online attempts at $22.10, and the in-person test at $21.90 plus a $22.10 appointment fee.
• After passing: you can book your drive test. If you don't pass the drive test within 12 months, you have to redo the HPT.

Transport Victoria offers nine free practice tests that look like the real one. You respond by clicking a "SLOW DOWN" button or pressing the space bar, and you get feedback after each clip.

Queensland

• When: car learners can sit the HPT once they've held their learner licence for at least 6 months. All learners have had to pass it before the practical test since 1 July 2021.
• Format: taken online, and takes about 15 to 30 minutes with an internet connection the whole time.
• Fee: $42.70 as at 1 July 2026, paid before you get access.
• Why it matters: you must pass before booking your practical driving test. If you sit a practical test without an HPT pass, the test is cancelled and the fee isn't refunded.

What the test is really checking

The HPT isn't a reaction-speed game. It checks whether you notice the clues that a hazard is developing and choose a safe, timely response. Typical scenarios include:

• deciding whether a gap is big enough to turn across oncoming traffic;
• a car ahead braking or a pedestrian stepping out;
• whether it's safe to overtake a cyclist or a parked vehicle;
• when to slow down approaching an intersection with limited visibility.

VicRoads says you won't pass if you don't respond in time or make the wrong decision, and Transport Victoria's practice clips give feedback on both action and non-action. So in clips where it isn't safe to turn or overtake, the right answer may be to do nothing.

How to prepare

1. Drive a lot first. Supervised driving where you talk through hazards out loud is the best preparation, and NSW and Queensland only let you sit the test after months on your Ls.
2. Use "See, Think, Do". VicRoads suggests scanning the road for potential hazards, planning your response, then adjusting your speed or position.
3. Use official practice material only: the NSW Hazard Perception Handbook and Transport Victoria's practice tests.
4. Practise commentary driving. As a passenger, call out hazards before the driver reacts. Our defensive driving guide explains the scanning habits behind good hazard perception.
5. Look far ahead and check mirrors in clips, just as you would on the road. Our mirrors and blind spots guide covers the routine.

Our UK hazard perception tips describe a different scoring system, so don't apply UK click strategies to the Australian tests.

Summary

You must pass a Hazard Perception Test before your driving test in NSW, Victoria and Queensland. NSW uses 15 clips after 10 months on your Ls (under 25) and gives you 15 months to pass the Driving Test; Victoria uses 25 clips from 17 years 11 months, first online attempt free, valid for 12 months; Queensland's test is online after 6 months on your Ls. Prepare with plenty of real driving and official practice material.

About Co-Drive

Co-Drive is an iOS app for learner and new drivers. Its driving technique lessons and defensive driving habits apply on any road; it does not include an Australian Hazard Perception Test simulator, and it isn't affiliated with any government agency. Find out more.