Hazard Perception Test WA (HPT)

Western Australia numbers the car licence steps. Step 3 is the Computerised Theory Test, step 4 is learning to drive and logging at least 50 supervised hours, step 5 is the HPT and step 6 is the Practical Driving Assessment, which you can take from 17 once the hours are complete.

Who can sit it, and when

You must be at least 16 years and 6 months old and have held your learner's permit for at least 6 months. Bring the learner's permit, or primary and secondary identification, and pay the fee on the day. The department recommends getting as much driving experience as you can before you sit it.

What happens in the sitting

The test shows traffic situations on a computer screen. You use the mouse to click when it is safe to begin a manoeuvre or to take action that reduces the risk of a crash. Cars have one test and motorcycles or mopeds another. The agency pages read do not state how many clips the test has. Headphones let you listen to the instructions, and an interpreter can translate during the introduction and practice session only.

Where to sit it

Any DTMI service centre or regional agent. Metro service centres need no appointment, but regional centres and agents may ask you to call ahead. Every test must start before 3.45 pm, or 4.45 pm at the Joondalup Driver Assessment Centre.

If you do not pass

If you do not pass, you resit on another day and pay the $24.10 resit fee. A pass is valid for 5 years. If you live more than 100 km from a centre or agent with HPT facilities, you can apply for an exemption on the E19 form.

Preparing, and what else the agency says

The car sample test has four situations: stopped at an intersection waiting to turn right, approaching an intersection where you might need to slow down, a country road where you may overtake if it is safe and legal, and driving straight ahead where you might need to slow down. The motorcycle and moped sample has three: riding straight ahead, riding on a country road and stopped at an intersection waiting to turn right. The moped test can be sat from 16. DTMI calls 50 supervised hours the minimum and asks learners to build experience across different road, weather and traffic conditions. An exemption application on the E19 form is answered by letter once it has been reviewed. After passing, learners under 25 keep logging supervised hours toward the minimum 50, and the Practical Driving Assessment needs you to be at least 17 for a car or motorcycle licence, or 16 for a moped.