Practice real HPT questions to pass your NSW Hazard Perception Test

The Hazard Perception Test measures how well you can recognise potentially dangerous situations when driving and how you’d react to them. The questions are, therefore, designed around the most common road issues that contribute to accidents.

As a Learner Driver, you must pass the Hazard Perception Test before you can apply for a P1 licence.

So, what’s the hazard perception test like?

It’s a computer-based touch screen test that must be done in person at a Department of Transport service area. Tests must be booked in advance which you can do on the relevant state website or by phone.

The tests are designed as video clips of real-life traffic situations. The video clips are from the driver’s perspective.

How long is the HPT valid for? Does the test expire?

After passing the HPT, if you wait more than 15 months to pass the driving test, then you’ll have to resit the HPT. (In VIC, it’s 12 months).

Some states (like hazard perception test NSW) have made adjustments to the requirements to do the HPT. So, if you got your P1 before November 20, 2017, you won’t need to do the HPT. If not, you’ll need to do the test before renewing your P1 or upgrading to a P2.

But every Australian driver will have to have done the HPT at least once in their life.

Each initial test comes at a fee (like $23.60 in Western Australia). HPT resits are also at a cost, though not as expensive as the initial test.

What can I do to prepare?

You can always read the handbook for your state. (Here, you’ll see the NSW Roads & Maritime Hazard Perception Handbook which outlines what you can expect on the test.) However, the best way to get ready for the HPT is to practice online quizzes.

The online hazard perception test practise questions (like the ones on this site) are designed to be just like the real quiz. So, you can practice as often as you need until you’re ready to sit and pass the real thing.

Passing the HPT starts with proper preparation. While the test is made up of just 15 questions/28 videos (depending on your state), they are randomly selected from a much larger pool of questions. So, preparing before the day ensures that you are in the best position to pass the test.

The Test Structure is pretty consistent across states. It generally includes:

• A Welcome screen (tells you about the test)
• Test Instructions
• 2 Practice Tests Questions (these allow you to get accustomed to the test situation and the touchscreen controls)
• The 15 Test Questions
• End of Test Screen

Each test question comes with an explanation of the scenario. Read carefully before viewing the clip. That way, you can make sure you understand what is being asked and how to respond.

So, what can you do to pass?

We’ve found that reading the manual alone doesn’t prepare you sufficiently to pass the HPT.

Instead, you need to do simulation test questions that give you a look and feel for the test. Those practice questions, when done right, also train you because they show why an answer is incorrect or correct.

So, you’ll want to practice the HPT before sitting the actual test. For example, do the hazard perception test NSW practice questions as often as necessary to prepare. The same is true for all the other state practice tests online.

Where to Practice the HPT?

As a Learner Driver, without the HPT you can’t progress to the P1 stage. You should take advantage of the hazard perception test practice questions before sitting the test. This will allow you to practice real questions and get a feel for what the test is like.

So, make sure you get ready the right way using our free online hazard perception practice tests.

Testing is by appointment only. You can book a test date at a service centre closest to you. If you don’t have a test centre within at least 100km to you, then you may qualify for an exemption for passing the HPT to progress to the P2 stage. Check your state website for more details.

How do I book the HPT online?

First of all, make sure that you reach your state’s minimum age requirement to sit the test. For example, the hazard perception test VIC requires that you’re at least 17 years and 11 months of age. Hazard perception test WA has a lower age requirement of 16 years and 6 months.

The HPT is a computer-based test that reflects real-world situations. The tests include clips showing real traffic situations such as sudden stops, unexpected speed or direction changes to test your hazard perception and how you would respond in these situations.

Each state outlines their HPT requirements (e.g. NSW HPT or SA HPT, HPT QLD), so it's important to get the respective state HPT handbook to help you study while you practice the online tests.

The Hazard Perception Test has 5 different tests with 7 questions each. The simulations are based on the five most common crash types for provisional drivers. You'll be given instructions at the start of each clip and asked to respond based on the scenarios presented.

The practice hazard perception test has clips very similar to the real test. They may not be the exact clips you see in the tests, but the scenarios are all based on the state Hazard Perception Handbook.

Officially, you're required to have had your Learner's permit for at least six (6) months and be a minimum age of 16 years and six months. We would also say to book the hazard perception test after you've practiced multiple times to ensure you can pass on your first attempt.