Hazard Perception Test (HPT) WA Details

Prerequisites

You must be at least 16 years 6 months old to attempt the Hazard Perception Test and have 6 months driving experience - so 6 months must have passed since successfully obtaining your learner permit (having complete the Learner's Test).

Test details

The HPT is a touch-screen computer-based test that assesses your ability to recognise and react appropriately to potentially dangerous situations. The test is made up of 28 film clips of real traffic situations (randomly selected from a large pool of questions) to which you will be asked to respond.

In the film clips you see what the driver sees and are told what the driver wants to do. At the beginning of each HPT film clip you will be told about the situation. For example, you might be shown the following text:

You are stationary and wish to turn right at this intersection.
Click the mouse when it is safe to do so.

To help you understand the situation, the clip will be paused before it starts playing. The dashboard will show the speed and if indicators are operating.

During the film clip you will need to click the mouse if and when you think an action is required. Actions include slowing down, overtaking, making a turn or moving off. Just like when you are driving on a real road, the HPT may show you situations where it would be unsafe to take an action such as turning or overtaking. If you think it would be unsafe to act you should not click the mouse.

Your response is timed and your reaction time affects your result, so react when necessary and do it quickly, just as you would in a real life traffic situation. Just like real driving where you only get one chance to respond to a situation, you will only be allowed to see each item once and cannot change your response once submitted.

You do not receive feedback after each clip as in the practice tests.

There are 4 practice questions available at the beginning of the HPT. These questions are just like the actual questions but you get feedback on whether your response was good, could have been better or was unsafe. You get the chance to repeat the practice test as many times as you want.

For administrative details including fees and booking information, refer to the Department of Transport website to ensure you access the most up-to-date and accurate information.


Check out the other resources available to help you pass the Hazard Perception Test and get your provisional licence (Red Ps):

For comprehensive information on the provisional licence and WA Hazard Perception Test, please refer to the Department of Transport website. The above information is a summary of this content and although current when published may now be outdated. To ensure you are accessing the most current and accurate information, use the DoT website or visit your nearest Department of Transport centre.