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Australia · Hazard perception test

The Hazard Perception Handbook

The Hazard Perception Handbook is Transport for NSW’s free guide to the HPT, and NSW says it’s the way to prepare. It’s written for NSW, but the skills in it work on any road in Australia. You can download it as a PDF or buy a printed copy at a service centre.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

What’s inside

  • How the HPT works, step by step, with the touch screen and practice clips
  • The five crash types new drivers have most
  • Low risk driving: speed and following distance
  • Safe gaps for turning, crossing and overtaking
  • Scanning for hazards and a see, think, do action plan
  • Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, trucks, roadworks, emergency vehicles and animals

The numbers worth remembering

SituationThe handbook’s guide
Following distanceAt least 3 seconds. More in rain, fog, ice and at night
Looking aheadUp to 12 seconds: about 200 m at 60 km/h
MirrorsEvery 8 to 10 seconds
Turning left, 60 km/hAt least 6 seconds from traffic on the right
Turning right, 60 km/h4 seconds to the right, 6 to the left, 4 to the front
Crossing, 60 km/h3 seconds to the right, 4 to the left
OvertakingYour passing time plus at least 3 seconds

The handbook is clear these gaps aren’t hard and fast rules. They’re a starting point while you learn what a safe gap looks like for you.

How to use it

Read a section, then practise it on the road with your supervisor. The handbook suggests watching first as a pedestrian, then as a passenger, then as the driver. Commentary driving helps too: say out loud what you see and what you’d do.

Outside NSW?

WA points learners to its Drive Safe book, and Queensland gives you practice clips before the online test. Your state’s own driver handbook is the one to use for road rules.

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Everything else, in one place

OverviewHazard Perception Test (HPT)How many questionsHow many questions are in the hazard perception test?BookingHow to book the hazard perception testCostHow much does the hazard perception test cost?Online testCan you do the hazard perception test online?Practice testHazard perception test practiceWhere to learnWhere to practise for the hazard perception test
Sources: Transport for NSW, Transport WA, Queensland Government and 1 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.