New South Wales · A Guide to the Driving Test · chapter 2 · 5 min read

Introduction: What the Driving Test Is

Contents Introduction

This guide explains what you need to do before taking a Driving Test, what you will be tested on, and what happens afterwards.

The Driving Test is an important step in gaining your driver licence. When you pass you will be issued with your provisional P1 licence and will no longer need to keep a log book or have a supervising driver in the car with you. You will be free to continue learning and gaining valuable experience through driving on your own.

Learner drivers must successfully complete a computer based Hazard Perception Test before attempting the Driving Test.

For more detailed information about the Driving Test you can read the Driving Test (Class C) Testing Officers Manual. The Road User Handbook is also a useful publication that covers the main road rules you need to know to drive legally and safely on NSW roads. You can access both publications at nsw.gov.au

To access the current Road Rules, visit legislation.nsw.gov.au

Contents

Introduction 1

Booking a test 3 What you must bring to the test 4 On the day of the test 5 The way the test works 7

Low risk driving 8

Observation 8 Speed management 11 Road positioning 14 Decision making 23 Responding to hazards 25

Vehicle control 29

Operating the controls 29

Test results 31

Why you might fail 31 What happens after the test? 38

Tips for new provisional drivers 41 Provisional licence driver restrictions 41 The Driving Test is the final step to progress from a learner licence to a provisional P1 licence. You may also need to take the Driving Test if you have recently moved to NSW.

The Driving Test is a practical on-road test that focuses on your ability to perceive hazards and respond to them. A testing officer assesses your driving skills, decision making, your awareness of other road users and how you share the road.

Depending on what driver licence you have and the type of Driving Test you book, you may need to do a few things before your test.

Learner drivers need to pass a computer-based Hazard Perception Test (HPT) within the previous 15 months of their Driving Test booking. They also need to log at least 120 hours of driving, including 20 hours at night before they can do the Driving Test.

Other drivers may need to pass a Driver Knowledge Test or get a Fitness to Drive Assessment before their Driving Test booking.

Booking a test

When you are ready for the Driving Test book and pay:

• online at service.nsw.gov.au
• by calling 13 22 13
• at a service centre.

To change or cancel your booking, you must do this at least 48 hours before the test date or your fee may not be transferred or refunded.

What you must bring to the test

• Proof of identity Your learner, overseas or full licence driver licence. If you have an overseas licence you may also need other identity documents and an acceptable translation (if they are not in English).
• A licence application form You can get the application form at nsw.gov.au or from a service centre and complete it before your test.
• Glasses or contact lenses If you need them to drive or to do the service centre eyesight test.
• Payment or concession card To pay the licence fee or apply for a concession if you pass the test. Some service centres only accept card payments, so please check service.nsw.gov.au if you want to pay with cash.
• Your completed Learner Driver Log Book (under 25 year olds only) You must have at least 120 hours driving experience and the ‘Declaration of Completion’ signed in your book by a supervising driver. The log book app must be submitted at least 48 hours before your test.

• A registered and roadworthy vehicle The testing officer will check your vehicle is:
• the right type for your driving test (heavy vehicles must also meet the minimum requirements for the test class such as load capacity)
• suitable for safe use (seatbelts, headrests, working lights and lenses not broken)
• in a satisfactory condition (legal tyres, no windscreen cracks and no sharp edges on the body exterior).

Warning

If any of the items you need to bring are missing or cannot be fixed in time for the test, it will be terminated. When a test is terminated your booking fee is not refunded and you will need to pay to rebook.

On the day of the test

When you go to a testing centre, you must have a person with you who has a full driver licence. If you fail the test you cannot drive away on your own and will need a licensed driver with you.

On the day of the test you must:

• arrive at least 15 minutes early
• park your vehicle in the driving test parking area
• report to the concierge or a customer service representative at the counter and give them your log book if you have one.

The testing officer will call you to the counter when it is your turn to start the test. Before the test starts you can ask any questions about the test. When you sign the score sheet, you have started the test.

The testing officer cannot tell you how to drive or coach you on the test as it is an assessment of your ability to drive.

What happens during the test

Only you and the testing officer can be in the vehicle for the test. Sometimes an authorised monitoring officer will sit in on your test. The monitoring officer’s job is to watch the testing officer to make sure the test is conducted properly.

We know tests can be stressful, so try to stay calm and relaxed. No one expects you to drive as skilfully as an experienced driver.

If you fail the test, you can try again. You will need to have at least 7 days between your failed test and another test booking. This is to give you time to practise and prepare for your next Driving Test.

When your test is finished, the testing officer will provide feedback on your performance. This will be general information rather than specific comments about your driving. The testing officer will give you a copy of your test score sheet and feedback. You can use this to understand what you need to do to improve your driving.