The Northern Territory learner knowledge test
The driver knowledge test (DKT), also called the theory test, checks that you understand the Northern Territory road rules before you start driving. You must pass it to get your learner licence.
Everything you need is in the NT Road Users' Handbook, and questions can come from any part of it, not just the road rules section.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can state how many questions are in the test and how many you need to get right.
- You can name the official resources for preparing.
- You can explain what happens if you fail and how retakes work.
- You can describe the help available if reading English is hard for you.
- You can list the behaviour that is banned during the test.
What you need to know and understand
- The test has 30 multiple choice questions picked at random from a pool of more than 300.
- You must answer at least 26 of the 30 correctly to pass.
- You take the test at an MVR office, or through DriveSafe NT classes. Remote residents outside the program can sit it at a local police station.
- There is no limit on attempts, and each attempt gives you a different set of questions.
- A verbal (spoken) test or an interpreter can be requested at some MVR offices.
- A pass stays valid for 12 months if you do not get your learner licence straight away.
What the test covers
The handbook says any topic it covers can appear. In practice, make sure you are confident with:
- Learner and provisional licence conditions, such as speed caps, zero alcohol and phone bans.
- Speed limits, including built-up areas, school zones and the open road.
- Giving way at intersections, T-intersections and roundabouts.
- Traffic signs, traffic lights and road markings.
- Sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, road trains and animals.
- Alcohol, drugs, fatigue, seatbelts, child restraints and what to do after a crash.
A study plan that works
- Read the Road Users' Handbook from start to finish without skipping sections.
- Work through the official driver knowledge questions PDF and the online practice test published by the NT Government.
- Note every question you get wrong and go back to that part of the handbook.
- Keep practising until you are scoring well above 26 out of 30 every time, then book your test.
On test day
Bring a completed L1 application form, your identity and residency documents if you are not yet an MVR customer, and the test fee (DriveSafe NT participants do not pay it). During the test you cannot get help, use notes, books or a phone, talk or signal to others, or leave the test area. The handbook warns that anyone caught cheating fails immediately and is banned from another attempt for two weeks.
If reading or writing English is difficult, call MVR to check whether a verbal test or interpreter is available in your area and book it ahead. Our NT driver knowledge test guide has extra practice tips.
Common mistakes
- Only studying the road rules chapter. Questions can come from safety, sharing the road and penalties too.
- Booking the test before you can pass the practice test comfortably.
- Rushing questions that contain the words 'learner' or 'provisional'. These often test the special novice rules.
- Taking a phone into the test area. Using any device counts as cheating.
Test yourself: The Northern Territory learner knowledge test
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Go deeper
Sources: Get your driver licence page (About the theory test), Motor Vehicle Registry, Northern Territory Government (nt.gov.au); Road Users' Handbook, Fifth Edition (August 2020), Motor Vehicle Registry, Northern Territory Government; Driver licences for remote residents page, Northern Territory Government (nt.gov.au). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with your state or territory road authority.