In Queensland you can take the car hazard perception test once you've held your learner licence for at least 6 months, and you must pass it before you can book your practical driving test. It's done online, takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and checks how well you spot and respond to hazards on the road.
How the test works
- It's online. You pay a fee to get access, and that access lasts up to 12 months.
- It takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You need an internet connection for the whole time, so do it somewhere with reliable wi-fi.
- There are no exemptions. If you can't complete the online test, contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 13 23 80.
The test is about judgement: noticing what's developing around you and deciding when it's safe to act. That's the same skill you'll use on every drive after you get your licence.
What counts as a hazard?
A hazard is anything that could lead to a crash if you don't respond. Some are obvious, like a car pulling out of a driveway. Others build slowly:
- A pedestrian near the kerb looking at their phone
- Brake lights two or three cars ahead
- A parked car with someone in the driver's seat
- A cyclist on a narrow road
- A ball rolling onto the road near a school or park
- A gap in traffic that's closing faster than it looks
How to practise on real drives
The best preparation happens in the car, not just on a screen.
- Commentary driving: say out loud what you can see and what you're planning to do. "Car waiting to turn right, I'll cover the brake." Your supervisor will quickly hear what you're noticing and what you're missing.
- Look further ahead: lift your eyes from the car in front to the road a block ahead. Earlier warning means calmer decisions.
- Practise as a passenger: when someone else is driving, call out hazards as you spot them.
- Talk about gaps: at intersections, decide out loud whether a gap is safe and why.
After you pass
Once you've passed the hazard perception test and held your learner licence for at least a year (with your logbook complete if you're under 25), you can book the practical driving test. Our guide to what to expect in the Queensland driving test explains the next step.
Build the habit with a female instructor
At Easy L, observation and hazard awareness are part of every lesson. Our female instructors have more than 20 years' experience teaching in automatic cars across southside Brisbane and Logan. Call 0433 190 838 or see our lesson packs.
