Driver Qualification Test NSW (DQT)

The Driver Qualification Test NSW (DQT) is the final stage of the licensing process. To progress from a provisional P2 licence to your full driver licence, you need to pass the DQT. The DQT is a touch screen, computer-based test. Its aim is to confirm that P2 drivers have sufficient knowledge and hazard perception skills, to ‘graduate’ to the full NSW driver licence.

There are two parts to the test:

  • Part 1 is a knowledge test that assesses your knowledge of road safety issues
  • Part 2 is a hazard perception test that assess your ability to recognise hazards and respond appropriately. It is based on the driving simulations that lead to the five most common crash types for new full licence holders in NSW.

The DQT is therefore a bit like an advanced version of the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT), that you passed to get your learner licence, combined with the Hazard Perception Test (HPT), that you passed to get your P2 licence.

The DQT is however more challenging. You will need to carefully study the Driver Qualification Handbook to pass it. You can view the handbook online, or purchase it from any registry or service centre.

How Driver Qualification Test NSW Works

When you take the DQT, the first screen you’ll see is the ‘welcome screen’, followed by the instructions. You’ll then be shown three practice questions for Part 1, to help you get used to the test and technology.

After you’ve completed the 15 multiple choice questions in Part 1, the test moves on to Part 2 of the test.

At the beginning of Part 2, you’ll again be shown instructions, and then two practice questions. The system will then ask you 10 questions, which are film clips of real traffic situations.

Part 1 of the Driver Qualification Test NSW (DQT)

Part 1 of the DQT is an advanced safe driving knowledge test, based on information from road safety research about lowering crash risk, particularly for drivers with only a few years of driving experience.

It will test your knowledge of all sections of the Driver Qualification Handbook. You need to carefully study the handbook before attempting the test.

What it covers

Part 1 assesses your knowledge of:

  • Understanding and managing driving risk
  • Adverse consequences of road crashes
  • Causes of road crashes
  • Motivation and driving behaviour
  • Risk taking and driving
  • Alcohol, drugs and driving
  • Fatigue and crash risk
  • Distractions and crash risk
  • Expectancies
  • Looking out for yourself and others
  • Hazard perception skills.

Format

You’ll be asked 15 multiple choice questions, of three types:

  • Text (words)
  • Text and picture/diagram
  • Text animation (a picture that moves)

Each question has four possible answers. Touch the answer you think is most correct. The answer you select will turn green. Touch the OK button to submit your answer.

Once you’ve completed the 15 questions, the test moves on to Part 2.

Part 2 of the Driver Qualification Test NSW (DQT)

Part 2 of the DQT tests your hazard perception skills. It is similar to the Hazard Perception Test you passed to get your P2 licence, but harder and more complex. For example, the questions are longer and may require multiple responses from you.

The best way to successfully prepare for Part 2, is to study the Driver Qualification Handbook, particularly part 3, Hazard Perception – Revision and Further Development. Make sure you understand the main hazard perception concepts, and apply them to your driving. You can also use the practice modules available under Building your hazard perception skills.

The questions are based on the five most common crash types for new full licence holders in NSW.

The five most common crash types are:

  • 34 per cent – rear-end collisions
  • 17 per cent – collisions at intersections
  • 16 per cent – head-on collisions
  • 11 per cent – running off a straight section of road and hitting an object
  • 10 per cent – running off the road on a curve and hitting an object.

The most common reasons that new full licence holders are involved in such crashes are:

  • Travelling too closely behind other vehicles
  • Driving too fast for the conditions
  • Not looking far enough ahead when driving
  • Choosing gaps that are too small when making turns, crossing intersections, or turning.

Compared with provisional licence holders, new full licence holders have more crashes where they run into the back of another vehicle, and fewer crashes where they run off the road on a straight or curved road and hit something.

Format

Part 2 of the DQT shows you 10 traffic situations or questions. You see what the driver would see, and you are told what the driver wants to do. Your job is to touch the screen, if and when you think it would be safe for the driver to do it.

If you think it would be unsafe to take any action, or do not think any action is necessary, do not touch the screen.

You may need to touch the screen more than once, whenever a response is required (eg when you would slow down or turn right in traffic). However you only need to touch the screen once for each hazard or safe gap in traffic that you identify. For example, if there are three hazards (or safe gaps), touch the screen three times, once for each.

When you touch the screen, the situation will continue – it will not stop or slow down, and you need to look out for more opportunities to touch the screen.

Remember, in some situations, the correct response is not to touch the screen at all.

Demonstration

This demonstration shows two examples similar to what you might see in the real DQT, including when you might need to touch the screen.

You can only see each question once, and after you’ve given your answer, it is locked in.

At the end of the test, a results screen appears. It tells you whether you passed or failed the whole DQT (both parts 1 and 2), and gives you feedback on areas where you need to improve.

Building your hazard perception skills – practice tests

Driver Qualification Test NSW (DQT)There are five interactive modules that you can use to practice many of the skills you need to pass Part 2 of the DQT.

These practice modules are not examples of the actual test questions. In the real test, you’ll be shown real traffic situations, while the practice modules are animations demonstrating the main concepts of hazard perception, including safe following distance, safe gaps and scanning for hazards.

Note: You need Adobe Flash Player version 5 or above to access the modules. You also need to make sure you have sound turned on, on your computer. Use the sliders to control distance. Choose a scenario from the menu where required.

Practice modules

When to take the Driver Qualification Test NSW (DQT)

Once you’ve held your P2 licence for 24 months, you can attempt the DQT. However you should not feel under any pressure to attempt the test immediately. You may continue to drive on your P2 licence for as long as you need, provided you renew it.

You should only attempt the DQT when you are ready, that is, when you’ve studied the Driver Qualification Handbook and applied the information to your driving.

Booking your Driver Qualification Test NSW (DQT)

When you’re ready to take the test, you’ll need to make a booking and pay the test fee. You can book online, by phoning 13 22 13, or in person at any registry or Service NSW service centre.

Taking the Driver Qualification Test NSW (DQT)

At your booked time, you’ll need to attend the nominated location to do your test. You’ll need to provide a completed Licence Application form and prove your identity.