Car hazard perception test
All learner drivers must pass the hazard perception test before upgrading their licence.
There are no exemptions from taking this test—please message us or call 13 23 80 if you are unable to complete the online car hazard perception test.
Learner licence holders
You must have held your learner licence for at least 6 months before you can take the hazard perception test. If you have an email address registered with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, we'll send you an email to let you know when you can take the test.
You must pass the hazard perception test before you can book a practical driving test.
You won't have to pass another hazard perception test to upgrade your P1 licence.
P1 licence holders
If you were issued a P1 licence before 29 March 2021, you need to pass the hazard perception test before you can progress to a P2 or open licence. You must have held your P1 licence for at least 1 year before you will be eligible to take the hazard perception test. If you have an email address registered with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, we'll send you an email to let you know when you can take the test.
Automatic upgrade of your licence
Once you have passed the hazard perception test, you may have your P1 licence automatically upgraded to a P2 licence or open licence. A new licence with your existing digital photo will be sent to you.
If you were 23 or younger when you received your P1 licence, you will get a P2 licence.
If you were 24 or older when you received your P1 licence, you will get an open licence.
After you have passed the hazard perception test, if you are a P1 licence holder who is eligible for an automatic upgrade you will receive your upgraded driver licence receipt overnight.
When your licence doesn’t automatically upgrade
Your licence won’t automatically upgrade if:
- your licence will expire within 6 weeks from the date you pay your test fee.
- you haven’t had a digital photo taken and digitised signature recorded in the last 9 years.
To upgrade to a P2 licence or open licence you need to apply in person and bring evidence of your identity.
Remember: You must comply with your P1 licence restrictions until you upgrade your licence and receive either your driver licence receipt or new licence card.
Take the hazard perception test
You need to pay a fee before you can get access to the test. You will have access to the test for up to 12 months.
I'm ready to take the car hazard perception test.
The hazard perception test will take approximately 15 to 30 minutes, you will need at least that amount of time connected to the internet.
Indigenous communities
An offline version of the car hazard perception test can be delivered by the Indigenous Driver Licensing Unit during their visits to communities.