All learner drivers have to pass two tests to get their licence – the Hazard Perception Test and an on-road practical Drive Test. The Drive Test helps identify drivers who are ready to drive safely on their own.
The test has five key performance indicators: speed management (S) • road positioning (P) • decision making (D) • responding to hazards (H) • vehicle control (C). Breaking road rules or following other vehicles too closely is 'high risk' driving behaviour.
You need to answer 45 questions about road rules and road safety.
Immediate Fail Items
Serious traffic violations will result in an immediate fail. For example, disobeying traffic signs, failing to give way correctly, and colliding with another vehicle or pedestrian will all cause an instant fail. You should check the list of fail items before sitting your test.
In your driving test you can receive 15 minors and still pass, only a major or three of the same minor will result in a fail. There are several driving test minor faults - however, you should try to avoid them to give yourself the best chance of passing.
The Hardest Part Of Passing A Driving Test Is…
It's hard to focus on obeying road rules, following the speed limit, and making good decisions while you're nervous, and even experienced learner drivers fail because they made a simple mistake due to nerves.
You might be driving slowly to ensure that you pass your test, but this is misguided, since where you drive hesitantly your examiner will see a lack of skill. Believe it or not, slow driving is likely to be marked as a fail-worthy driving fault, in the same category as stalling the engine or mounting the pavement.
There are three hand signals that all drivers should know: left turn, right turn, and stopping. In case of an emergency where a turn indicator light has gone out, they could be your only way of alerting other drivers to your plans.
Guidelines for getting your photo
Don't smile – have a neutral expression on your face and have your mouth closed. Remove all glasses or sunglasses, even if you need your glasses to drive. Make sure your hair isn't covering your face, particularly your eyes.
When you pass the DKT, your learner licence is valid for 5 years or until you get your Red Ps (provisional P1 licence). Your learner licence can be renewed after 5 years, but you'll have to pass the DKT again, so start getting those hours up as soon as you can.
After passing the DKT, you can apply for a NSW Photo Card at the same time if you wish, and take advantage of paying a reduced application fee for it.
Whilst the test is scheduled to last for 45 minutes you have to complete the test track and perform the required manoeuvres. Because your test may take more than the allocated time due to traffic or road works don't worry if the test takes longer. At the end of the test the examiner will give you your results.
You need to pass theory and practical tests to go through the NSW licensing scheme and get a full licence. The P1 licence (or red Ps) is the next step after a learner licence.
Remember that you must make 3 or fewer errors in your pre-drive checklist, no “critical errors” and no more than 15 total errors while driving during your test. A few common things that can contribute to failure include: Not performing head checks on blind spots. Failing to signal properly.
You can expect to be at the test centre for about one hour. Aim to arrive at least 10 minutes early, as you'll have a bit of paperwork to do before the test starts. The actual test takes around 50 minutes, and is broken down into five parts.
Violation of traffic laws can automatically fail you. These violations include speeding, failure to obey a traffic sign, making an illegal turn, failing to give space for an emergency vehicle, running a red light, etc. If you drive safely and stay focused, you'll surely pass.
The applicant must pass each test. A minimum score of 15 out of 20 correct answers, on each test, is required to pass. For additional information on test rules, download the DDS Driver's Manual.
When it comes to pass rates, we've noticed a significant variation between males and females, with males having a 53.4 per cent average between April 2020 to March 2021 per-attempt pass rate compared to 48.6 per cent for females.
Hitting the kerb (or 'curb' as it's spelt in other areas) during a driving test is a concern for most learner drivers as it can result in a potential driving test failure.
Lack of steering control – steering too early, or too late
Contrary to popular belief, crossing your arms on a driving test will not cause you to fail. However, most people tend to lose full control of the wheel when they cross their arms, which is why the fault is marked.