A Guide to the Driving Test - Before you start - Booking - Taking the test

Sep 18, 2026

Learner drivers must complete a computer-based Hazard Perception Test before attempting the NSW Driving Test. The booklet explains how the test works, including the 25-zone route and how performance is recorded using five key indicators: speed management, road positioning, decision making, responding to hazards, and vehicle control. It also covers booking and payment rules, required documents, scoring pass requirements, and guidance on what to do at the testing centre.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages48

Reading Time2 h 1 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

The Driving Test

The way the test works

Before you start

Booking the Driving Test

Taking the test

Low risk driving

Test results

Why you might fail

What happens after the test?

A Guide to the Driving Test Transport for NSW [nsw.gov.au](nsw.gov.au) Introduction Learner drivers must successfully complete a computer based Hazard Perception Test before attempting the Driving Test. The Driving Test is an important step in gaining your driver licence. When you pass you will be issued with your provisional P1 licence and will no longer need to keep a log book or have a supervising driver in the car with you. You will be free to continue learning and gaining valuable experience through driving on your own. This booklet is a general guide to the Driving Test. For more detailed information you can read the Driving Test (Class C) Testing Officers Manual. The Road User Handbook is also a useful publication that covers the main road rules you need to know to drive legally and safely on NSW roads. You can access both [publications at](publications at nsw.gov.au)[ nsw.gov.au](publications at nsw.gov.au)[ ](publications at nsw.gov.au)If you need the current and complete set of Road Rules, visit [legislation.nsw.gov.au](legislation.nsw.gov.au) Contents | Introduction | 1 | | --- | --- | | The Driving Test | 3 | | The way the test works | 3 | | Before you start | 5 | | Booking the Driving Test | 5 | | Taking the test | 6 | | Low risk driving | 8 | | Observation | 8 | | Speed management | 11 | | Road positioning | 14 | | Decision making | 23 | | Responding to hazards | 25 | | Vehicle control | 29 | | Operating the controls | 29 | | Test results | 31 | | Why you might fail | 31 | | What happens after the test? | 38 | Tips for new provisional drivers 41 Provisional licence driver restrictions 41 The Driving Test This guide explains what you need to do before taking a test, what you will be tested on, and what happens afterwards. The way the test works The Driving Test is a set course over 25 zones. A testing officer will be in the car with you to direct the drive and record your performance on a test score sheet. Your test is scored on your ability to show low risk driving behaviour ina range of situations. The test has five key performance indicators: • speed management (S) • road positioning (P) • decision making (D) • responding to hazards (H) • vehicle control (C). S P D Z H R C NOTES Assessments No hazards present in the zone Observation error A tick, requirement demonstrated Signal error A circle, Hazard present in the zone requirement not demonstrated | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | 1 | | | | | | | | | 2 | | | | | | | | | 3 | | | | | The Driving Test Breaking road rules or following other vehicles too closely is ‘high risk’ driving behaviour. If you drive this way, you will not pass the test, regardless of your overall score. The back of the Driving Test score sheet explains the test scoring codes. Go to the ‘Test results’ section of this guide for a list of fail items. To pass the Driving Test you must score at least 90 per cent or more with no fail items. In all the diagrams in this guide you are always the blue car, marked A. Before you start Learner drivers must successfully complete a computer based Hazard Perception Test (HPT) before attempting the Driving Test. The HPT is only valid for 15 months. If it has been more than 15 months since you passed the HPT you will need to do the test again before you can do the Driving Test. Booking the Driving Test When you are ready for the Driving Test book and pay: • [online at](online at service.nsw.gov.au)[ service.nsw.gov.au](online at service.nsw.gov.au) • by calling 13 22 13 • at a service centre. To change or cancel your booking, you must do this at least 24 hours before the test date or your fee may not be transferred or refunded. A completed log book Before you can take a Driving Test you must have: • the required amount of driving experience recorded in either your Learner Driver Log Book or digital

FAQs

What must learner drivers complete before attempting the Driving Test?

Learner drivers must successfully complete a computer-based Hazard Perception Test (HPT) before attempting the Driving Test.

How is the NSW Driving Test structured and scored?

The test is a course across 25 zones, and a testing officer directs the drive while recording performance. You must demonstrate low-risk driving behaviour across five key performance indicators.

What are the key requirements before you can take the Driving Test?

You must have the required amount of driving experience recorded in the log book (paper or digital) and a signed 'Declaration of Completion' by your supervising driver, or submit it electronically via the digital app.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Sophia Brooks