The Victoria driving test and hazard perception

By the end of this topic you can

• You can check that you are eligible to sit both tests.
• You can prepare a car that meets the drive test rules.
• You can describe the pre-drive check and both on-road stages.
• You can name errors that end the test immediately.
• You can explain the automatic-only licence condition.

What you need to know and understand

• You can take the HPT from 17 years and 11 months if you hold a current Victorian learner permit.
• The HPT takes up to 45 minutes and shows 25 short driving videos; you respond by slowing down, stopping or keeping your speed.
• Your first online HPT attempt is free, and you can attempt it online twice in one day.
• If you do not pass the drive test within 12 months of passing the HPT, you must sit the HPT again.
• For the drive test you must be at least 18, have held your learner permit for the minimum period and, if under 21, have 120 logged hours including 20 at night.
• VicRoads does not supply cars; cars with electronic or foot-operated park brakes cannot be used for solo tests.
• Stage one takes about 10 minutes and stage two about 20 minutes.
• Passing in an automatic gives you an A condition: automatic cars only during your probationary period.

The Hazard Perception Test

Each clip shows a traffic situation and you click or tap when it is safe to act, or not at all if there is no safe moment. It measures how well you scan the whole scene and spot hazards early. Most people take it online through myVicRoads on a computer or tablet; it can also be done in person and in 13 other languages.

Transport Victoria offers nine free practice tests that look just like the real one. Use them, but real supervised driving is the best preparation. You get your result straight away.

Getting the car and paperwork right

Speed warning devices, cruise control, navigators and recording equipment must be switched off. At the time of writing the practical test plus appointment fee was $75.30, and the drive test fee is not waived under the Motorist Package; check VicRoads for current fees.

• clean, registered and roadworthy, with no airbag warning light and no space-saver spare fitted
• speedometer the tester can see from the passenger seat
• both side mirrors, working demisters, headlights and doors, and seatbelts for everyone
• L plates displayed
• a centrally mounted handbrake the tester can reach, unless it is a dual-control instructor car
• bring your learner permit, your completed log book or myLearners record if under 21, and payment

How the drive test runs

The tester scores observation, signalling, gap selection, speed, following distance, road position, stop position, parking and control.

1. Eyesight check and paperwork.
2. Pre-drive check: you identify and operate controls such as indicators, wipers and washers, horn, high and low beam, hazard lights and brake lights, and identify the handbrake.
3. Stage one (about 10 minutes) in quieter conditions: turns, lane changes and either a reverse parallel park or a three-point turn.
4. If you pass stage one, stage two (about 20 minutes) in busier traffic: merging, lane changes and straight and curved roads.
5. Feedback and your result.

Errors that fail you

Immediate termination errors include exceeding the limit by 5 km/h or more, exceeding it by any amount for five seconds or more, exceeding it at all in a school zone, driving through a red light or Stop sign, mounting the kerb while driving, or making someone else take action to avoid a crash. Critical errors include stalling, driving too slowly, a rolling stop at a Stop sign when no one is endangered, and failing to check or signal. Our Victoria hazard perception test guide has more practice advice.

Common mistakes

• Booking in a car with an electronic park brake. It will not be accepted for a solo test.
• Creeping a few km/h over the limit. 5 km/h over, or any amount for 5 seconds, ends the test.
• Slowing but not fully stopping at Stop signs.
• Forgetting head checks when changing lanes or pulling out.

Test yourself: The Victoria driving test and hazard perception

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Victoria Hazard Perception Test
• Driving with Trams in Victoria
• Learning to Drive in Victoria