What is the Hazard Perception Test? A touch-screen computer-based test that measures your ability to recognise potentially dangerous situations on the road and react in an appropriate way. You must pass the HPT in order to move from your P1 to P2 licence.
What is the HPT based on? Simulating driving conditions that lead to the five most common crash types for New South Wales provisional drivers.
- 33% of crashes are rear-end collisions (nose-to-tail)
- 17% of crashes involve vehicles coming from the left or right
- 15% of crashes are head-on
- 9% of crashes involve running off the road on a straight section
- 8% of crashes involve running off the road on a curve or bend
Most of these crashes occur in daylight in fine weather and on dry roads, and more commonly in urban areas.
What skills do you need? There are three types of hazard perception skills you need to learn to pass the HPT:
- keeping a safe distance
- selecting safe gaps
- identifying hazards.
How do you develop the skills? Practice with an experience driver and read the Hazard Perception Handbook.
Why do provisional drivers tend to have more accidents? New drivers often do these:
- Travel too closely behind another vehicle (tailgating)
- Driving too fast for the conditions
- Not looking far enough ahead
- Misjudging gaps when turning at an intersection or overtaking
When should you start practicing? It takes time to develop the skills, so start as soon as you have your P1 licence.
How to book and take your hazard perception test
Book online at rms.nsw.gov.au/onlineservices, call Roads and Maritime on 13 22 13 or call in at a registry or Service NSW centre.
You take the test at a registry, Service NSW centre or Roads and Maritime agency (usually at the council chambers or police station).
You must take your completed Licence Application Form and show proof of identity. Pay the fee.
You can take it in other languages, but call 13 22 13 to check.
When can you take the HTP? You have to wait at least 12 months from when you receive your P1 licence.
What happens at the registry or testing agency?
- Your licence details are checked
- Your eligibility to sit the test will be checked
- You’ll be assigned to a test kiosk with a touch screen computer, or will be given a laptop computer
- You simply follow the instructions on-screen, touching the screen in the appropriate place.
How is the test structured?
- Welcome screen
- Test instructions, i.e. how to use the computer and what will be coming up
- Two practice items to get you used to the controls, and which will also give you feedback. You can try these practice items again.
- 15 test items
- Feedback screen
How do the questions work?
You’ll be given a scenario like the one below.
- Touch the screen to start the film clip.
- Touch the screen again as per the instructions.
- You only get one go at each question.
At the end you will receive a pass or fail result, but you won’t know which ones you got right or wrong.
The system will tell you which areas you can improve in regardless of whether you pass or fail.
Is there another fee if you have to sit the test again? Yes
Are there any practice modules? Yes, but they don’t work on a cellphone
- Following distance
- Stopping distances
- Safe gaps when turning
- Safe gaps at intersections
- Scanning for hazards
Darren is an expert on driving and transport, and is a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists
