You’ll be allowed to apply for your learner licence from New South Wales Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) when you’re 16.

You can do this at any Service NSW centre. Service NSW is a system of centralised offices that combine the services of NSW Roads and Maritime Services (such as vehicle registration, for example) and other government offices in one convenient location.

Service NSW can be reached on 13 77 88. You can also find your nearest Service NSW centre by going to http://www.service.nsw.gov.au/service-centre.

You’re welcome to bring anyone you like to the Service NSW centre with you! You’re not required to bring anybody in particular, though.

No, but you are required to alert NSW Roads and Maritime Services if you have a medical condition, or if you take any prescription medicines that may impact your driving ability. Be sure to fill out the medical report section on your licence application form if this applies to you.

Yes, you’ll have to prove to an examiner at the Service NSW centre that your visual acuity is at least 0.5 (6/12) on the Snellen scale. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you should bring them to the Service NSW centre with you, because you’ll need them for this test.

Yes, at certain locations. At those offices, when you apply for a licence, your card will be posted to you at no extra cost - and when you apply for a licence or want to renew online, you’ll get a paper receipt, which will act as proof of licence status until your actual learner licence arrives in the post. The Online Services section of MyRTA also allows you to renew your vehicle registration online, book your licence test, and check your demerit points.

No, there aren’t any colors to avoid. Just wear any clothes you’d wear on a normal day!

Not necessarily, but it shouldn’t be hanging in your eyes or covering any of your face. As long as that’s not a problem, then just wear your hair the same as you’d wear it on a normal day!

Yes, you’re free to wear whatever makeup you’d normally wear. Again, the goal of this photo is to provide a faithful representation of the way you look on a normal day!

No, NSW Roads and Maritime Services doesn’t want anyone smiling in their licence photo. It’ll be easier to use that photo to establish your identity if you’re keeping a straight face in it.

Not really - just relax your face, look straight at the camera, and do your best not to blink!

Your next step is to visit a Service NSW centre, submit your documents, and sit your Driver Knowledge Test (DKT).
After you’ve passed your DKT - as well as a simple eyesight test - you’ll be registered as a learner driver, and you’ll be able to start driving.
As long as you’re driving on a learner licence, though, you’ll be required to:

• Only drive cars
• Be supervised at all times by the holder of a full (not learner or provisional) Australian driver licence
• Have L plates displayed (black L on an orange/yellow background) clearly at the front and back of the vehicle, on the outside (or an L sign on the roof) when driving. The letter L on the plate must not be hidden
• Observe a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h, and observe the posted speed limit where it is below 90km/h
• Not tow any other vehicle
• Not exceed zero blood alcohol concentration. This means you cannot have any alcohol in your system when you drive a vehicle. It is also illegal to drive under the influence of drugs
• Not supervise another learner driver
• Only carry the number of passengers that can be properly seated in seats and restrained by approved seat belts or child restraints
• Only drive vehicles that have a seat belt fitted to the driver's position, and you must wear the seat belt
• Not use any mobile phone, including hands-free devices or loud speaker, while driving, or while your vehicle is stopped, but not parked.
• If in Sydney, not drive in Parramatta Park or Centennial Park.

One handy place to look for answers is our Beginner Driver Q & A Section, where you can get a quick answer from one of our professional driving experts! You can also feel free to send us an email: aussie-driver@gmail.com

The NSW Roads and Maritime Services website recommends just one book to study: The Road Users’ Handbook.

Right here on this website! Start with the first of our 3 FREE practice tests, which use actual sample questions from the NSW Driver Knowledge test - here’s the first one: NSW Learners Practice Test 1. Just keep practising with our tests as many times as you need to, until you’re all prepared to take on the real Driver Knowledge Test! It’ll also help to study for few minutes here and there, whenever you have a moment to yourself. Keep reviewing your Road Users’ Handbook, and before long, you’ll be an expert on most of the material covered on the DKT!

No, NSW Roads and Maritime Services doesn’t require you to take any classes - but you will do a lot better on the test, and become a much better driver, if you sign up for at least a few hours of formal driving instruction.

You can get your own copy in any of the following ways:

• by visiting your local Service NSW centre
• by calling Service NSW on 13 77 88
• by asking at a library or bookshop near you
• by going online to http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/documents-forms.html#RoadUsers%27Handbook

Yes, you do. Each individual test includes questions chosen at random from all throughout the book - so you’ll have the best chance of passing if you know the whole book back-to-front.

There will be soon - because we’re making one! Keep checking back on this website, because you’ll soon have an easy way to practise for your test on your mobile device!

The specific questions vary from one individual test to another, but the NSW Roads and Maritime Services website provides a list of sample questions for you to check out. They’ll cover topics like vehicle safety, laws of the road, meanings of road signs, and driving tactics for different times of day and different weather conditions. A lot of websites provide sample questions, too - but many of them offer just a short list of questions, then try to charge you for a sample test. Don’t waste your money - just use all 3 of the FREE full learners practice tests right here on this website, starting with the first one: NSW Learners Practice Test 1. Driving students all across New South Wales use our free practice tests to help them with their DKTs - and many of those students pass the test on their very first try!

NSW Roads and Maritime Services provides a free online practice test on their website - you can launch the test from the link in the ‘Practice DKT’ section of this page: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/driver/tests/driver-knowledge-test.html But as long as you’re here on our website, you can also check out the 3 FREE DKT practice tests we provide! Here’s the first one: NSW Learners Practice Test 1.

The only place to sit your DKT is at your local Service NSW centre. For more information, you can call Service NSW’s help line on 13 77 88.

The best preparation is relaxation! Just stay calm, stay positive, and maybe review your Road Users’ Handbook one last time.

How well do you know your Road Users’ Handbook? How are your scores on the DKT online practice test http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/driver/tests/driver-knowledge-test.html? Your score on the online practice test is probably about what you’ll get on the real test - so if you’re scoring high, you’re ready!

When you’re all set to take the real test, you’ll need to make an appointment to sit your DKT. You can book your appointment online, by phoning 13 22 13, or in person at any Service NSW centre.
On the day of your DKT, just visit the centre where you’ve made your appointment, and make sure you bring all the necessary documents:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of residence
• Licence application form
• Test fee

The one way to get your learner licence is to pass the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) - which you can only do at your local Service NSW centre.
You’ll need to make an appointment to sit your DKT. You can book your appointment online, by phoning 13 22 13, or in person at any Service NSW centre.
On the day of your DKT, make sure you bring all the necessary documents:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of residence
• Licence application form
• Test fee

NSW Roads and Maritime Services will let you take the DKT and apply for a learner licence as soon as you’re 16 years old.

You’ll have to pay a $24 test fee to sit the DKT and get your learner licence.

No, there’s nobody in particular that you have to bring. You’re welcome to bring anyone you like with you to the Service NSW centre, though!

The NSW Roads and Maritime Services website recommends just one book to study: The Road Users’ Handbook.

In the first part of the test, you’ll be asked 15 general knowledge questions, and you need to get at least 12 correct.
You’ll then be asked 30 road safety questions (including traffic signs), and you need to get at least 29 correct.

You’ll have to answer a total of 41 questions correctly to pass your DKT.

You can’t miss more than 9 questions on your DKT. If you do, you’ll fail the test.

The most common mistake people make is rushing through questions, which makes them miss questions to which they actually know the answers. The test doesn’t have any trick questions. Just go slowly, think through each answer you give, and try to answer in a way that makes the most sense according to the Road Users’ Handbook you’ve studied.

No, this isn’t an open-book test. The idea is to test whether you really know the Handbook, so you’ll have to work from memory.

Yes it is. Part of the process is submitting to a quick test to make sure you don’t have any drugs or alcohol in your system.

Despite what you might’ve heard, there’s no such thing as an ‘easiest’ office to take your DKT. Every office uses the same randomly generated tests, and no two tests are exactly alike. The good news is, though, that the test isn’t particularly hard, as long as you know the material in your Road Users’ Handbook.

Yes we do! You can read through the success stories right here on our website, all written by people who’ve actually passed their DKTs with the help of our free practice tests.

Nothing too terrible - you’ll just have to schedule a new appointment and pay the test fee again in order to resit the test. You can resit the test as many times as you need to, as long as you keep paying the fee and rescheduling.

You can resit your test right away, or as soon as you’re ready. The only thing is that you’ll have to schedule a new appointment and pay the test fee again in order to resit it. So before you try again, it’s a good idea to spend some time with the online practice DKT on the NSW Roads and Martitime Services website http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/driver/tests/driver-knowledge-test.html, and practise with the 3 FREE DKT practice tests on this website. Here’s the first one: NSW Learners Practice Test.

As long as you’re driving on a learner licence rather than a full licence, you must:

• Only drive cars
• Be supervised at all times by the holder of a full (not learner or provisional) Australian driver licence
• Have L plates displayed (black L on an orange/yellow background) clearly at the front and back of the vehicle, on the outside (or an L sign on the roof) when driving. The letter L on the plate must not be hidden
• Observe a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h, and observe the posted speed limit where it is below 90km/h
• Not tow any other vehicle
• Not exceed zero blood alcohol concentration. This means you cannot have any alcohol in your system when you drive a vehicle. It is also illegal to drive under the influence of drugs
• Not supervise another learner driver
• Only carry the number of passengers that can be properly seated in seats and restrained by approved seat belts or child restraints
• Only drive vehicles that have a seat belt fitted to the driver's position, and you must wear the seat belt
• Not use any mobile phone, including hands-free devices or loud speaker, while driving, or while your vehicle is stopped, but not parked.
• If in Sydney, not drive in Parramatta Park or Centennial Park.

You may drive anywhere except Parramatta Park or Centennial Park in Sydney, as long as you:

• Only drive cars
• Be supervised at all times by the holder of a full (not learner or provisional) Australian driver licence
• Have L plates displayed (black L on an orange/yellow background) clearly at the front and back of the vehicle, on the outside (or an L sign on the roof) when driving. The letter L on the plate must not be hidden
• Observe a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h, and observe the posted speed limit where it is below 90km/h
• Not tow any other vehicle
• Not exceed zero blood alcohol concentration. This means you cannot have any alcohol in your system when you drive a vehicle. It is also illegal to drive under the influence of drugs
• Not supervise another learner driver
• Only carry the number of passengers that can be properly seated in seats and restrained by approved seat belts or child restraints
• Only drive vehicles that have a seat belt fitted to the driver's position, and you must wear the seat belt
• Not use any mobile phone, including hands-free devices or loud speaker, while driving, or while your vehicle is stopped, but not parked.

Excellent work! You did it! You can start driving right away.
But before you can get your full licence, you’ve still got 6 more steps ahead of you:

1. Hold your learner licence for at least 12 months, and complete 120 hours of supervised driving practice, including 20 hours of night driving (unless you’re 25 or older)
2. Pass the Driving Test – get your provisional P1 (red) licence
3. Hold your P1 licence for at least 12 months
4. Pass the Hazard Perception Test (HPT) – get your provisional P2 (green) licence
5. Hold your P2 licence for at least two years (24 months)
6. Pass the Driver Qualification Test (DQT) – get your full licence.

The most effective way to prepare is to practice driving! You’ve got to log 120 hours of supervised driving over the next 12 months anyway, so put that practice to good use, and practise driving in a variety of different traffic and weather conditions as you gain more confidence.
Spend some more time reviewing the driving safety techniques covered in your Road Users’ Handbook.
Make sure you’re familiar with all the mirrors, adjustment levers, and other components of your vehicle.
Make sure you know how to safely perform maneuvres like starting, stopping, turning, parking, and merging into traffic.

You can drive almost anywhere, except for Parramatta Park or Centennial Park. It’s best to start on streets that are familiar to you, then gradually work your way up to driving in a variety of different traffic and weather conditions, so you’ll have plenty of practice for your Driving Test.

The idea of this test is to check whether you’re a safe and competent driver - so getting lots of practice now will make the test itself a lot less stressful for you, because you’ll already know exactly what you’re doing. Besides, the skills you’ll learn in your practice hours will remain useful throughout your entire life, and will help keep yourself and others safe.

It can’t hurt - but you’re not required to. Driving classes are easy to find in your local Yellow Pages or with a quick Google search, and they’ll definitely help get you more calm and confident. On the day of your test, you don’t want to have to worry about anything except following your examiner’s instructions - and practising with an instructor beforehand can help a lot with that.

The Driving Test takes place on a course with 25 different zones. Each zone will test your performance in a specific set of tasks, like scanning, checking blind spots, parking, following, buffering, turning, avoiding hazards, or merging into traffic.
Throughout the test, your examiner will be assessing your performance in 5 key areas:

• Speed management
• Road positioning
• Decision making
• Responding to hazards
• Vehicle control

You can take your Driving Test once you’ve held your learner licence for at least 12 months, and have completed at least 120 hours of supervised driving practice, including 20 hours of night driving.

If you’ve prepared and practised beforehand, it won’t be hard at all. The examiner is only there to make sure you’re driving safely and legally - and your only real enemy is your own nervousness. Just keep calm, drive carefully, and follow your examiner’s instructions. The only sure way to fail is to rush through the test and do something dangerous, so as long as you avoid that, you should be fine.

Your only real enemy is your own nervousness, so try to relax and think positive as much as possible. You might also want to read over this article - which is from an American website, but still offers some ideas that might be helpful for you as you think about your NSW Driving Test: 7 Things NOT To Do The Night Before Your DMV Test.

You can book online, by phoning 13 22 13, or in person at any Service NSW centre.

It depends which place you’re given as a nominated location, so make sure you get that information before the test.

Yes, you need to provide a suitable car for the test, and the car must be roadworthy and ready to drive. Any of the following issues with the car can disqualify it (and you) from the test:

• Indicator lights or brake lights not operational
• Tyres not in satisfactory condition
• Vehicle is not registered
• Windscreen cracked or broken
• Seat belts damaged or not fitting
• Sharp edges sticking out
• Mirror broken
• Damaged wheel rim
• Missing wheel nuts
• Excessive fluid leaks
• Inoperational brake
• Door handle or window handle missing or damaged
• Heavily damaged convertible top

No, you and the examiner must be the only people in the car. This will actually help you, since you’ll be able to stay focused on what he or she is telling you during the test.

Just stay focused on showing the examiner that you’re competent in all five of the key areas:

• Speed management
• Road positioning
• Decision making
• Responding to hazards
• Vehicle control

As long as you don’t break any laws or put anyone in danger, you probably won’t have to worry about failing your test. Still, here’s a list of common reasons for failure, provided by New South Wales RMs:

• Disobeying traffic signs, signals, or road markings
• Failing to give way when necessary
• Colliding with a vehicle, pedestrian or object
• Performing an illegal act or maneuvre
• Exceeding the speed limit
• Taking any action requiring officer intervention
• Causing a dangerous situation
• Failing to maintain proper control of the vehicle
• Failing to exercise due care to avoid an accident
• Failing to give way to an emergency vehicle
• Disobeying instructions from a person controlling traffic
• Frequently not signalling intention
• Refusing to attempt any part of the test
• Repeated or deliberate failure to follow directions
• Unreasonable obstructing other vehicles or pedestrians
• Receiving external advice or instruction during the test - including the time when you sign the score sheet, and when you’re getting into your vehicle
• Not parking to the required standard
• Failing to maintain a safe following distance
• Frequently not performing observation checks

The Driving Test takes place on a course with 25 different zones. Each zone will test your performance in a specific set of tasks, like scanning, checking blind spots, parking, following, buffering, turning, avoiding hazards, or merging into traffic.
Throughout the test, your examiner will be assessing your performance in 5 key areas:

• Speed management
• Road positioning
• Decision making
• Responding to hazards
• Vehicle control

Yes, you should wear them during the test if you need them to see clearly.

No, there’s no need to sit your Driver Knowledge Test again.

NSW Roads and Maritime Services will let you retake the drive test as many times as you need to in the 12 months before your learner licence expires. However, you’ll have to book a new appointment and pay the test fee again each time you retake the test.

Different people develop a fear for driving for different reasons. One of the most common reasons is that they’ve been in an accident - and since our brains are hardwired to learn from traumatic experiences, that experience has made them afraid to be in control of a vehicle ever again. The truth is, though, that driving can be a very safe activity as long as you follow the rules and stay aware of your surroundings. To conquer your fear, take a look at www.fear-of-driving.org. The more you drive for yourself, the more that fear will start to fade.

As long as you’re a safe, careful driver, you shouldn’t have any major problems on the test. Just follow the examiner’s instructions, and show him or her how capable you are. Just remember to do all the following:

• fasten your seatbelt
• keep both hands on the steering wheel
• adjust your mirrors as you get into the car
• check your mirrors when you merge into traffic
• come to a full stop at red lights, stop signs, etc.

Congratulations! Hard work really does pay off! Now, as long as you’re at least 17 years old and have held your learner licence for at least 12 months, you’ll simply pay the licence and test fees and get your P1 licence.
Only 4 steps left until you’re driving on a full licence:

1. Hold your P1 licence for at least 12 months
2. Pass the Hazard Perception Test (HPT) – get your provisional P2 (green) licence
3. Hold your P2 licence for at least two years (24 months)
4. Pass the Driver Qualification Test (DQT) – get your full licence.

For the next 6 months, you must:

• Only drive cars. You cannot apply to upgrade your licence to a higher class
• Have P plates displayed (red P on a white background) clearly on the front and back of the vehicle, on the outside. The letter P on the plate must not be hidden. If you’re towing a trailer, a P plate must be on the back of the trailer
• Observe a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h, and observe the posted speed limit, where it’s below 90 km/h
• Not tow any trailer more than 250 kilograms of unloaded weight. You must display a P plate (red P on a white background) on the back of the trailer while towing
• Not exceed zero blood alcohol concentration. This means you cannot have any alcohol in your system when you drive a vehicle. It’s also illegal to drive under the influence of drugs
• Not supervise a learner driver
• Ensure all occupants, including yourself, are in a seat that has a seatbelt or an approved restraint fitted, and that each passenger is using the seatbelt or restraint
• Not use any mobile phones, including hand free devices or loudspeaker, while driving or while your vehicle is stopped, but not parked
• Only drive automatic transmission vehicles, or clutchless manual vehicles, if you took your driving test in this type of vehicle. Your licence card will show the A034 condition on the front.
• Not drive a vehicle with more than one passenger (other than the driver) who is under 21, between 11pm and 5am
• Be subject to the demerit points system. Your P1 licence will be suspended or refused if you reach or exceed 4 demerit points.

You need to be aware of the average speed limits: 50kph in urban areas, 100kph in rural areas, and 110kph on motorways and freeways - unless other speed limit signs are posted.
Also, keep an eye out out for bikeways (also known as bicycle lanes). These are special lanes for bicycles, which some streets have. Watch out, because you can get demerits (or worse) for driving in one of them.
Please, NEVER drink and drive. New South Wales takes DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol) extremely seriously, and you’ll lose your hard-earned licence in the blink of an eye if you’re caught with any alcohol in your bloodstream.

As the NSW Roads and Maritime Services website explains, you’ll have to have a significant amount of driving experience in order to notice and respond correctly to hazards. So the best way to prepare for the HPT is to get as much driving experience in different conditions as you can.
You’ll also need to study the Hazard Perception Handbook, and use the online practice modules available on the NSW Roads and Maritime Services website: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/driver/tests/hazard-perception-test.html.

The HPT is a computer-based touch screen test that measures your ability to recognise potentially dangerous situations on the road and respond appropriately. It aims to make sure P1 drivers have enough hazard perception skills to progress to a P2 licence.
The test questions and situations focus on the five most common crash types for NSW provisional drivers - crashes caused by:

• Travelling too closely behind other vehicles
• Driving too fast for the conditions
• Not looking far enough ahead when driving
• Choosing gaps that are too small when making turns, crossing intersections or overtaking

The test uses film clips of real traffic situations. In each clip, you’ll be asked to respond by touching the screen, for example when you would slow down, overtake, or turn at an intersection.
There are 15 film clips in the test. You’ll be given two clips to practice on, before the test begins.

It depends on the nominated location you’re given when you book your testing appointment. You can book online, by phoning 13 22 13, or in person at any Service NSW centre.

Once you’ve held your P1 licence for at least 12 months, you can attempt the HPT. However, you shouldn’t feel under any pressure to attempt the test immediately.

As with the earlier tests, your worst enemy is your own nervousness - so just stay calm and think positive thoughts. As long as you’ve gotten plenty of driving practice, you shouldn’t have any serious problems with your HPT. If you want, you can review your Hazard Perception Handbook, and use the online practice modules available on the NSW Roads and Maritime Services website: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/driver/tests/hazard-perception-test.html.

When you feel that you’ve got a solid grasp of the Hazard Perception Handbook, and when you don’t get nervous handing normal hazards while driving your car, you’re probably ready! You can also test your readiness with the online practice modules available on the NSW Roads and Maritime Services website: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/driver/tests/hazard-perception-test.html
If you’re scoring high on all of those, then you’re ready for sure!

If you’re all prepared and practiced, it’s time to make a booking and pay the test fee. You can book online, by phoning 13 22 13, or in person at any Service NSW centre.

All you’ll need is a completed Licence Application form and proof of your identity.

The surest way to pass is to have lots of experience avoiding driving hazards - exactly the kind of experience you’ll get from your 120 hours of driving practice. One way to focus on getting this experience is to get as much driving experience in different conditions as you can.
It’s also worthwhile to ask for tips from more experienced drivers, who can tell you how they handled some of the more extreme hazards they’ve run into in their years on the roads.
You can also practise with the online modules on the NSW Roads and Maritime Services website: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/driver/tests/hazard-perception-test.html.

The main types of hazards you’ll be watching for on the test are those caused by the following factors:

• Travelling too closely behind other vehicles
• Driving too fast for the conditions
• Not looking far enough ahead when driving
• Choosing gaps that are too small when making turns, crossing intersections or overtaking

Most people’s mistakes fit into 2 general categories:

• not noticing a hazard in one of the film clips
• responding too slowly to the hazard

Still, that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to rush. Just keep calm, watch each clip, and respond in the way that feels most correct to you.

The test uses film clips of real traffic situations. In each clip, you’ll be asked to respond by touching the screen, for example when you would slow down, overtake, or turn at an intersection.
There are 15 film clips in the test. You’ll be given two clips to practice on, before the test begins.
The clips will test your ability to recognise and respond to hazards caused by the following factors:

• Travelling too closely behind other vehicles
• Driving too fast for the conditions
• Not looking far enough ahead when driving
• Choosing gaps that are too small when making turns, crossing intersections or overtaking

No, you don’t need to take a Driver Knowledge Test again.

NSW Roads and Maritime Services will let you resit your HPT as many times as you need to until your P1 licence expires. However, you’ll have to book a new appointment and pay the test fee again each time you resit the the test.

Fantastic work! You’re getting closer to a full licence! Right now, as long as you’ve held your P1 licence for at least 6 months, you’ll simply pay the licence and test fees and get your P2 licence.
Only 2 steps left until you’re driving on a full licence:

1. Hold your P2 licence for at least two years (24 months)
2. Pass the Driver Qualification Test (DQT) – get your full licence.

For the next 2 years, you must:

• Use mobile phones for calls and audio only. The phone must be securely mounted, or you must use an automated audio device. Touching a phone (e.g., text or video functions) is against the law
• Have P plates displayed (green P on a white background) clearly on the front and back of the vehicle, on the outside. The letter P on the plate must not be hidden. If you’re towing a trailer, a P plate must be on the back of the trailer
• Observe a maximum speed limit of 100 km/h, and observe the posted speed limit where it’s below 100 km/h
• Not exceed zero blood alcohol concentration. This means you cannot have any alcohol in your system when you drive a vehicle. It’s also illegal to drive under the influence of drugs
• Not supervise a learner driver
• Ensure all occupants, including yourself, are in a seat that has a seatbelt or an approved restraint fitted, and that each passenger is using the seatbelt or restraint.
• Be subject to the demerit points system. Your P1 licence will be suspended or refused if you reach or exceed 7 demerit points.

As the NSW Roads and Maritime Services website explains, the DQT is designed to assess your knowledge of road safety issues, and to assess your ability to recognise hazards and respond appropriately. In other words, it’s a bit like an advanced version of the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) combined with the Hazard Perception Test (HPT). It’s the final test you’ll take to get your full licence, which means it covers everything you’ve studied and practised up to this point.
One important way to prepare for the HPT is to get as much driving experience in different conditions as you can.
You’ll also need to study the Driver Qualification Handbook.
Finally, you’ll want to use the online practice modules available on the NSW Roads and Maritime Services website: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/driver/tests/driver-qualification-test.html.

The DQT consists of 2 main sections:

• Part 1 is an advanced safe driving knowledge test consisting of 15 multiple choice questions. It’ll test your knowledge of all sections of the Driver Qualification Handbook, in the following areas:
  • Understanding and managing driving risk
  • Adverse consequences of road crashes
  • Causes of road crashes
  • Motivation and driving behaviour
  • Risk taking and driving
  • Alcohol, drugs and driving
  • Fatigue and crash risk
  • Distractions and crash risk
  • Expectancies
  • Looking out for yourself and others
  • Hazard perception skills.
• Part 2 tests your hazard perception skills. It consists of 10 traffic situations, some of which will require long or multiple responses. It’ll focus in particular on part 3 of the Driver Qualification Handbook: ‘Hazard Perception – Revision and Further Development.’ It’ll assess your ability to identify and respond to hazards caused by the following factors:
  • Travelling too closely behind other vehicles
  • Driving too fast for the conditions
  • Not looking far enough ahead when driving
  • Choosing gaps that are too small when making turns, crossing intersections, or turning

It depends on the nominated location you’re given when you book your testing appointment. You can book online, by phoning 13 22 13, or in person at any Service NSW centre.

Once you’ve held your P2 licence for at least 2 years (24 months), you can attempt the DQT. However, you shouldn’t feel under any pressure to attempt the test immediately.

As with the earlier tests, your worst enemy is your own nervousness - so just stay calm and think positive thoughts. As long as you’ve gotten plenty of driving practice, you shouldn’t have any serious problems with your HPT. If you want, you can review your Driver Qualification Handbook, and use the online practice modules available on the NSW Roads and Maritime Services website: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/driver/tests/driver-qualification-test.html.

When you feel that you’ve got a solid grasp of the Driver Qualification Handbook, and when you don’t get too nervous handing a variety of hazards while driving your car, you’re probably ready! You can also test your readiness with the online practice modules available on the NSW Roads and Maritime Services website: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/driver/tests/driver-qualification-test.html.
If you’re scoring high on all of those, then you’re ready for sure!

If you’re all prepared and practiced, it’s time to make a booking and pay the test fee. You can book online, by phoning 13 22 13, or in person at any Service NSW centre.

All you’ll need is a completed Licence Application form and proof of your identity.

Make sure you’ve gotten plenty of driving practice in a wide variety of different traffic conditions, roads, and weather conditions.
Review your Driver Qualification Handbook.
Use the online practice modules available on the NSW Roads and Maritime Services website: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/driver/tests/driver-qualification-test.html.

The DQT will be more intensive than any of the tests you’ve taken up to this point. It won’t treat you as a learner, but as a full, experienced driver. Still, that doesn’t mean you should be nervous about the test - in fact, your best strategy is simply to stay calm and keep a positive attitude.
A test like this is hard to study for all in one go, because it covers so many things that you’ve learned throughout your entire driving experience. If you’re scoring high on the online practice modules, you’ll probably have no problem passing the DQT.

Most common mistakes on Part 1 come from rushing through questions to which you actually do know the answer. Take your time, read through each question carefully, and answer in a way that sounds like what the Driver Qualification Handbook would say.
Most common mistakes on Part 2 fit into 2 general categories:

• not noticing a hazard in one of the scenes
• responding too slowly to the hazard

Don’t rush. Just keep calm, read or watch each question, and make sure you’ve given a full, complete answer before you move on.

The DQT consists of 2 main sections:

• Part 1 is an advanced safe driving knowledge test consisting of 15 multiple choice questions. It’ll test your knowledge of all sections of the Driver Qualification Handbook, in the following areas:
  • Understanding and managing driving risk
  • Adverse consequences of road crashes
  • Causes of road crashes
  • Motivation and driving behaviour
  • Risk taking and driving
  • Alcohol, drugs and driving
  • Fatigue and crash risk
  • Distractions and crash risk
  • Expectancies
  • Looking out for yourself and others
  • Hazard perception skills.
• Part 2 tests your hazard perception skills. It consists of 10 traffic situations, some of which will require long or multiple responses. It’ll focus in particular on part 3 of the Driver Qualification Handbook: ‘Hazard Perception – Revision and Further Development.’ It’ll assess your ability to identify and respond to hazards caused by the following factors:
  • Travelling too closely behind other vehicles
  • Driving too fast for the conditions
  • Not looking far enough ahead when driving
  • Choosing gaps that are too small when making turns, crossing intersections, or turning

No, you don’t need to resit any of the earlier tests.

NSW Roads and Maritime Services will let you resit your DQT as many times as you need to until your P2 licence expires. However, you’ll have to book a new appointment and pay the test fee again each time you resit the the test.

You’re all done! You’re now qualified for a full licence. Simply pay the licence and test fees and your licence will soon arrive in the post.

NSW Roads and Maritime Services will let you resit any test as many times as you need to until your current licence expires. However, you’ll have to book a new appointment and pay the test fee again each time you resit the any test.

Most importantly, get feedback from your examiner - or look over your graded test - and find out which areas you need to improve. That’s your next step: Study, study, study, until you know those areas by heart. You’ll have to book a new appointment and pay the test fee again in order to resit your test - but as soon as you think you’re ready, you’re always welcome to give it another go.

NSW Roads and Maritime Services requires all drivers to carry third-party motor insurance. This kind of insurance will protect other people in case of medical or property damage from an accident in which you’re involved - but it won’t cover damage to you or your own vehicle. This means it’s probably a good idea to carry some insurance for yourself and your vehicle as well, so you’re covered in case of an emergency.

The only things you’ll need are a car and a driver’s licence.

Unfortunately there’s no single clear answer to this, because it’s going to depend on a lot of different factors. For example, your choice of insurance company, your age, the number many people your policy covers, the kind of car you have, and the spotlessness (or lack thereof) of your driving record will all impact the insurance rate you pay.

The answer to this question will depend on a lot of different aspects of your own situation. You’ll only find out who’ll offer you the best rate when you do your own research and compare the rates that various companies offer you. Even so, here are a few pointers to help you know what you’re looking for:

• Some insurance companies offer student discounts.
• Some offer better rates to customers who’ve gotten some formal driving instruction.
• Lesser-known insurance companies sometimes offer better rates than big-name ones do.
• One almost-guaranteed way to get a better rate is to drive a car that’s in a lower-risk insurance group.

For a very simple and sobering reason: Approximately 50% of drivers under 20 get a demerit, or end up in an accident, within their first year on the road. One of the main reasons for this is that new drivers tend to drive above the speed limit, which makes it harder to control a car, and contributes to many accidents that could’ve easily been avoided with careful driving. This means that every new driver is a financial risk for an insurance company. In a few years, though, if you’ve kept a clean driving record, your rates will start to get lower.

You’ll need to attend a registry or service centre in person to renew your licence, so NSW Roads and Maritime Services can verify your identity and take your photo.

Possibly. If your doctor says you need to, then yes, you will. A staff member at the service centre may also require you to take an eyesight test when you renew your licence.

You’ll need to convert your license to a NSW licence. To do this, you’ll need to attend a registry or service centre in person, and:

• Take your interstate licence with you
• Provide proof of your identity and residential address
• Complete a Licence Application form
• Pass an eyesight test
• Have your photo taken
• If your interstate licence is expired, you will also need to pay the relevant licence fee.

If you hold a learner licence from another state or country, you can continue to learn to drive in NSW. However:

• You must comply with the conditions that apply to learners in NSW, even if they don’t ordinarily apply in your home state or country. You must also comply with all relevant conditions that apply to the licence in your home state or country.
• You must always be supervised by the holder of an unrestricted Australian driver licence that is a class C or higher
• It is your responsibility to be aware of the conditions that apply to your licence.
• Failure to comply with any of these conditions is an offence, and can carry severe penalties, including immediate suspension of your driving privileges by NSW Police.

If you hold an overseas licence, you are allowed to drive the vehicles covered by your overseas licence in NSW indefinitely, as long as:

• You remain a temporary overseas visitor
• Your overseas licence remains current
• You have not been disqualified from driving in NSW or anywhere else
• You have not had your licence suspended or cancelled, or your visiting driving privileges withdrawn
• You carry your overseas driver or rider licence. If your licence is not written in English, you must also carry an English translation, or an International Driving Permit.
• You don’t have to get a NSW licence if you comply with these conditions, and can prove your genuine visitor status to NSW Police, if required. You should read the Road Users Handbook to learn the current road rules in NSW.

If you hold a learner licence from another state or country, you can continue to learn to drive in NSW. However:

• You must comply with the conditions that apply to learners in NSW, even if they don’t ordinarily apply in your home state or country. You must also comply with all relevant conditions that apply to the licence in your home state or country.
• You must always be supervised by the holder of an unrestricted Australian driver licence that is a class C or higher
• It is your responsibility to be aware of the conditions that apply to your licence.
• Failure to comply with any of these conditions is an offence, and can carry severe penalties, including immediate suspension of your driving privileges by NSW Police.

The best place to go for answers is the NSW Roads and Maritime Services website: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads.

You’ll be allowed to drive in New South Wales at the age of 16 - as long as you’ve earned your learner licence, and you’ve always got a licenced driver aged 21 or older in the car with you when you’re driving. But you’ll have to wait until you’ve gotten at least a P1 licence to drive alone to school or work - and a P2 licence to drive alone to other places.

NONE AT ALL. Penalties are even harsher if you’re driving on a learner licence, or a P1 or P2 licence. During these periods, you’re in criminal violation if your blood alcohol content is anything above 0.00%. This means you can get your licence suspended or revoked if you get caught driving with any alcohol in your blood at all during these periods. And even once you’re driving on a full licence, please, NEVER drink and drive. It puts you and everyone around you in serious danger of injury... or worse.

They just mean staying aware of your surroundings, and driving while keeping a lookout for hazards. Another way to say it is that defensive driving is driving with the deliberate intent of minimising danger to yourself, your vehicle, and people and property around you. Or to put it yet another way, here’s what ‘Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Operations’ has to say: 'driving to save lives, time and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others'. Studies have found that 90% of accidents result from avoidable mistakes - and defensive driving aims to prevent those mistakes.
One great way to learn defensive driving is in a driving course - and in fact, this can often get you discounts on car insurance. But here are some ways to start driving defensively right now:

• Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and any vehicle front of you.
• Watch your mirrors, and watch what’s happening to the side of your vehicle, as well as behind you.
• Always stay below the speed limit - but never assume that anyone else will.
• And most important of all, NEVER assume that anyone else is driving carefully!

There are all sorts of possible answers to this question, and each person who chooses not to get a driver’s licence has his or her own story. Fear of driving is one common reason. Other people just never see a need for a driver’s licence, since someone else in their life is always doing the driving.