Hazard perception test
The hazard perception test is an online computer-based test which measures a driver's ability to anticipate and appropriately respond to potentially dangerous situations while driving. All P1 provisional licence holders must pass the hazard perception test in order to graduate to either a P2 provisional or open licence (dependent on age).
Who is required to take the test?
All P1 provisional licence holders will have to pass the hazard perception test before applying to upgrade to a P2 provisional or open licence (depending on age).
The test is available to eligible P1 provisional licence holders via services online.
If you hold a P1 provisional licence, the department will notify you by mail when you are eligible to take the hazard perception test. The letter will contain further instructions on how to prepare for, and take the test (If you have moved house since gaining your P1 provisional licence, please change your address with the department).
To be eligible to take the test, you must:
- hold a current P1 provisional licence that is not suspended, surrendered, cancelled or expired
- have held a P1 provisional licence for a minimum period of ten and a half months*
- have not previously passed the hazard perception test
- have not failed the hazard perception test on the same day.
*Note: Periods of licence suspension, surrender, cancellation or expiry will not count towards the minimum period.
What will the test involve?
The test consists of a series of video clips. You will be presented with a video clip of a traffic scene and will be required to identify (by clicking the mouse in the appropriate position) a potential traffic conflict that would require you to take some action, for example, slow down, overtake or change course.
In essence, you will be tested not only on your ability to identify a potential hazard when driving, but also if you are able to react quickly enough to avoid a crash.
What is a traffic conflict?
A traffic conflict is a situation where your vehicle is on course to hit another road user, such as a pedestrian, cyclist, bus, truck, motorbike or another car. If your vehicle needs to slow down or change course to prevent a crash, then there is a traffic conflict.
How do I respond to a traffic conflict when taking the test?
To respond to a traffic conflict you will need to use the computer mouse to click on the other road user involved in the traffic conflict you have predicted.
When you click, you will see a yellow circle. This means that your click has been recorded. You will be timed, so always click as soon as you predict that a traffic conflict is likely to happen. You will need to make sure you don’t wait until your vehicle slows down or changes course.
Note: Some people might think that they can pass the test by clicking lots of times anywhere on the screen. This is not correct. The hazard perception test is programmed to identify this action and you will fail the test.
What should I do before I take the hazard perception test?
Before taking the hazard perception test you should:
- view the test instruction video, mouse skills exercise and practice hazard perception test. These services are free of charge and are designed to help you familiarise yourself with what is required in order to maximise the likelihood of passing the test on the first attempt
- make sure your computer has the minimum recommended computer specifications (PDF, 28 KB); including:
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- Adobe Flash Player version 9 (9.0.115 or later). If the computer you are using does not have this or a later version, you will be prompted to download the required Flash player automatically and without cost
- broadband internet access (minimum 256 kilobytes download speed recommended)
- a minimum of 25 megabytes free hard drive space per test.
If you are planning to take the hazard perception test from an external internet provider such as a public library or internet café, the department strongly advises that you contact the internet provider in advance to confirm usability requirements.
Where can I take the test?
The hazard perception test is not available in driver licence issuing centres.
You can take the test online at your own home. If you do not have broadband internet access at home, there are many locations that provide broadband internet access to the public, such as internet cafés and public libraries.
For information on where to find your closest public library, please visit the State Library of Queensland website. If you require information about a location in Queensland's Cape York area visit the Cape York Digital Network* website. Alternatively you can contact the department on 13 23 80† during business hours for further assistance.
How many times can I take the test?
You can take the test as many times as necessary until you are successful and have passed the hazard perception test.
However, you are only permitted to take one test per calendar day.
Is there a cost to take the test?
Yes. A one-off fee will be charged for the hazard perception test and will be payable when you pass the test. Note: This fee will not be charged every time you take the test – only once when you pass the hazard perception test.
You can pay the fee using the following methods:
- over the internet by credit card
- over the phone on 13 23 90† by credit card
- at a driver licensing issuing centre by cash, cheque, EFTPOS or credit card at the time of upgrading to a P2 provisional or open licence.
Note: The hazard perception test fee is a separate cost and will not affect any other licensing renewal costs or other payments that you may be due to pay.
Important: What action do I take when I have passed the test?
When you meet all the eligibility requirements (passed the hazard perception test, have held your P1 provisional licence for a minimum cumulated period of 12 months and hold a valid P1 provisional licence) you will be required to undertake the following tasks:
- Complete a Driver Licence Application/Renewal (form F3000).
- Submit your completed application form at your nearest driver licensing issuing centre. The department will then confirm your eligibility to upgrade your licence (Note: If you have not already paid the hazard perception test fee, you will be required to make payment prior to getting your licence upgraded).
- If you are eligible, you will then be issued with your upgraded P2 provisional or open licence.
Important notes:
Passing and paying for your hazard perception test does not automatically upgrade your driver licence. You must hold your P1 provisional licence for a minimum period of 12 months and apply for an upgrade of your driver licence at a licensing issuing centre before you can progress to a P2 provisional or open driver licence.
If you wish to upgrade to a P2 provisional licence, you must not visit a driver licensing issuing centre until the day after you have held your P1 provisional licence for at least 12 months (not including periods of suspension or disqualification). If you visit before this time, you will not be eligible to upgrade your licence, even if you have passed the hazard perception test and paid the test fee.
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