NSW Hazard Perception Test (HPT) - Real Practice Questions

You need to pass the HPT to upgrade from a Learner Licence to a P1 Licence. In some states, you need to take the HPT to move to the P2 or Open Licence category. But no matter which state you’re in, you must take the hazard perception test at least once in your lifetime as a driver.

The hazard perception test is generally 15 questions that focus on identifying hazards and how to avoid them. You’ll be given on-screen instructions and shown several video clips from the driver’s perspective. You are then required to choose the appropriate response based on the instructions and the video clips.

How does the hazard perception test work?

In most states, the HPT is a touchscreen test administered at a Department of Transport service centre. Some test centres require the use of a mouse to click when you think it’s safe based on the test question. (There is the exception of QLD which allows you to do the test online from home).

Though it’s a computer-based question, you don’t need to be a computer whiz to take the test. If you do the test at a centre, all you’ll be doing is using the touchscreen to answer the questions.

The tests are generally available in multiple languages. In some states like Victoria, the hazard perception test is available in up to 14 languages. If the test is not available in your language, you are allowed to bring an interpreter to assist.

Improving Your HPT Skills to take the test

Practice your hazard perception skills daily. When driving, make sure to scan for hazards around you. Drive at a safe speed and keep a safe distance from vehicles. Also, practice the HPT questions online so you know what to expect from the test.

Where to practice hazard perception tests?

Practice the tests here online using our HPT online program. Our hazard perception test simulator give you enough simulated driving scenarios and quizzes designed just like the real test to help you prepare.

The aim of the Hazard Perception Test is to assess your knowledge in 3 areas:

• Identifying hazards
• Selecting safe gaps
• Keeping a safe distance

Victoria, for example, classifies these 3 areas as: See, Think, Do. So, you need to scan for hazards, think about the best response, and then act in accordance to avoid an accident.

Therefore, the HPT questions are built around these issues. So, in preparing for the test, you need to be mindful of:

• Scanning for hazards ahead, behind, and to the side
• Selecting safe gaps when turning, crossing traffic, or changing lanes
• Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles

  What are some of the issues Learner Drivers need to be aware of?

  As a Learner Driver, you are more at risk of being in an accident within your first 12 months of driving. These are some of the more frequent crash types that you’ll face:

  Now that you know what type of accidents are common for learner drivers, you can see why the 3 areas of the HPT are necessary.

  Is the HPT easy?

  The HPT is one of the more technical driving tests you need to pass to progress to a P1 or P2 licence. You can always choose to wing it based on your experiences on the road and what you’ve read in the handbook. Or, you can make it much easier to pass if you practice the questions online.

  Then, once you’re ready to take the real test, you just need to book the hazard perception test at the exam centre closest to you.

  • • Single-vehicle crash (running off the road, especially on a curve, or running into something like a utility pole or tree)
    • Head-on crashes (vehicles travelling in the opposite direction collide into you)
    • Rear-end crashes (running into the vehicle in front of you)
    • Right turn crashes (when you turn into oncoming traffic)
    • Being hit on the right (by vehicles turning right)

Once you’re ready to sit the test, it’s a simple process to book in your state. There are generally three options for booking a test:

• Online: Visit the state transport website and use their online portal to book a date and time for the test. For example, for hazard perception test NSW, you can book online at their MyRTA site.
• In-person: Visit a test centre and book in person.
• Via Telephone: Most states allow you to call in to book a date/time for your test.

The payment requirement (you have to pay to take the HPT) for each booking method may differ so check before you start the booking process. For example, some states allow you to book online and pay in person. For, Hazard Perception Test QLD, you can pay cash at the Department of Transport service centre, QGAP Office, or licence-issuing police station (the latter for rural areas).

For some of the other states, if you book online you must pay using a MasterCard or Visa credit card. Or, if you call in to book, you have to make payment via credit card over the phone.

Booking Requirements

Each state has requirements for minimum age and length of time that you hold a Learner Permit before you can sit the HPT test. For example, for Hazard Perception Test VIC, you must be at least 17 years and 11 months of age.

But, until you meet those requirements, you are free to start using the hazard perception test practice questions online.

When to book

Once you meet the booking requirements and you’re ready to upgrade to a P1 licence, you should go ahead and book the test. Remember both your Learner Licence and the HPT have an expiry date. So, you want to maximise when you move from the learner licence to the P1.

What about a Waiver for the HPT?

If your community is over 100 kilometres from the nearest hazard perception test centre, then you can seek a waiver of the HPT requirement to upgrade to a P1 licence. Southern Australia (SA) is one such state that allows this HPT exemption.

The HPT is a computer-based simulation of real-world events to test your ability to identify and react to hazardous situations on Australia’s roadways. In the test, you’ll be shown clips of real traffic situations such as direction changes, sudden stops, and unexpected speeding. Then you’ll have to select the correct response to each situation.

Good hazard perception skills can help to prevent road accidents. But the HPT is often one of the harder ones to pass. So, start learning how to spot hazards and how to react in these situations and get ready to pass the actual test.

The practice questions are structured just like the actual test. There are five (5) different sections, each with seven (7) questions. These 5 sections are based on the 5 most common crash types for provisional drivers. At the start of each clip, you’ll be given instructions and then asked to respond based on the scenarios played out in the clip.

So, you’ll get a true picture of what to expect on the test and be ready to tackle any question thrown at you.

We recommend getting your state hazard perception handbooks to assist you when studying. You can find some of them here – NSW HPT, SA HPT, HPT QLD.

Then, you practice, practice, practice, until you’re confident you know what to look for and how to react.