The driving test follows a set course comprising 25 zones. During the test a testing officer will be in your car with you directing you where to drive, and recording your performance on a score sheet. Your score will be based on your driving performance in a range of situations and your ability to demonstrate low risk behaviours. You are assessed against five key performance areas: speed management (S); road positioning (P); decision making (D); responding to hazards (H) and vehicle control (C).
Some driving behaviour such as breaking a road rule or following other vehicles too closely is considered to be ‘high risk’. If you behave this way during the test your actions will be recorded as FAIL items and you will not pass, regardless of your score.
Although not a requirement let's make sure your car is clean especially on the inside, no one likes to sit in a moldy, dusty and smelly car. Remove any items that may move around from the back seat, floor etc.
Plan to arrive at the testing centre in good time for your appointment. I suggest 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Give your Learner Driver Log Book, licence application, licence and booking confirmation slip to the person at the counter. You will then be called by a testing officer.
The testing officer will ask you to sign the score sheet. Remember to ask any questions before you start. The testing officer cannot tell you how to drive or coach you during the test as it is an assessment of your ability to drive on your own. During the test you are permitted to ask what the speed limit is on a particular street or road.
Try to relax. You will not be expected to drive as skillfully as an experienced driver. Remember, you can try again if you fail. However, you must wait a minimum of seven days before you may reattempt the Driving Test. After the test, the testing officer will review your performance if you wish.
Testing officers will provide general comments rather than discuss specific situations or events.
A monitoring officer may sit in on your test. The monitoring officer’s job is to watch the testing officer and make sure that the test is conducted properly. Nobody other than the testing officer and monitoring officer is allowed to be in the vehicle with you during the test.
YOUR CAR MUST BE SUITABLE FOR SAFE USE AND READY TO DRIVE
Before the test starts the testing officer will check to make sure that your car is suitable for safe use. Make sure your indicators and break lights are all working and tyres are in good condition.
The vehicle to be used for the test (applicant must supply appropriate test vehicle)
Must be the right type for the licence class for which you are being tested.
Must display 'L' signs, if you hold a learner licence.
Must be suitable for safe road use and not be defective.
Make sure :
• the indicators and brake lights work and the lights' lenses are not broken, cracked or discoloured
• the tyres are in good condition with sufficient tread ('Space Saver' spares are not permitted)
• the windscreen is not cracked or damaged and any window tinting is to Transport for NSW standards
• the rear-vision mirrors are not broken or cracked
• the vehicle is currently registered
• the vehicle is clean.
See 'A Guide to the Driving Test' for a full list of requirements.
Must not be :
• an armoured security vehicle
• a vehicle that carries dangerous goods
• a federal interstate registered vehicle
• a vehicle with trader plates attached
• a vehicle carrying livestock
• a bus carrying passengers
• a vehicle without a reverse gear (except a motorcycle)
• any heavy vehicle fitted with a dual accelerator or a dual steering wheel (i.e. road sweepers, garbage trucks etc).
Make sure the mirrors, seat and seat belt are adjusted to suit your use. Any objects being carried in the vehicle must be put in the boot or safely secured.
Seat belts and helmets :
• Cars (class C) must have an adjustable lap-sash seat belt in the front passenger seat
• Large buses (classes MR and HR) do not require seat belts
• Other classes (LR, MR, HR, HC) must be fitted with a retractable lap-sash seat belt in the front passenger seat
• Motorcycle riders (class R) must wear an approved helmet at all times when they are riding.
Before the test
When you drive to the testing centre you must be accompanied by an unrestricted licence holder who holds a licence for the class of vehicle (or higher) you are driving.
Make sure you arrive at the test centre at least 15 minutes before the time of your appointment and park in the allocated area for driving test applicants.
No ticket is required proceed directly to the designated driver testing area in the service centre or to the next available counter.
If you have been issued with a 'Learner Driver Log Book' ensure it has been completed correctly and bring it with you. If you have used a digital log book app ensure your completed hours are submitted at least 48 hours before your driving test.
You may be asked to take an eyesight test.
You may be asked to take a breath analysis test if you appear to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Make sure you ask any questions you may have before your test starts.
After the test
When you get back to the testing centre, the testing officer will ask you to go inside and wait for your result. You must not leave the centre, or you may be required to take another test. Your testing officer will call you to the counter and tell you your result.
If you have passed your driving test and if you hold a learner's licence you will be issued with a provisional licence and you should replace your 'L' plates with 'P' plates. If you hold another type of licence you will be issued with the appropriate class of licence. If the date of issue of your previous licence cannot be determined, a provisional licence will be issued If you have not passed your driving test, your testing officer will discuss your test with you and give you a test report. The report will show your score and where you need to improve. When you drive from the testing centre you must be accompanied by an unrestricted licence holder who holds a licence for the class of vehicle (or higher) you are driving.
The information given on this document is correct at the time of printing but is subject to change without notice.
You might like to book the test package and take my car instead... or book an Ezy Az Test preparation lesson prior to booking your test. I take you though everything you need to know. Make sure you are well prepared before the big day.
Your test will be terminated if any of the unsatisfactory items below cannot be rectified at the time of the test. This is not a complete list please check with RMS if in doubt.
The testing vehicle
• is not suitable for safe use
• indicator lights (including side repeaters) or brake lights do not operate, are incomplete, dirty or discoloured.
• tyres are not in a satisfactory condition.
• is not registered.
• windscreen cracked or broken so as to obscure driver’s and/or testing officer’s vision, (not including minor cracks).
• has a complying (approved and in working condition) lap/sash seat belt is not fitted for the testing officer.
• head restraints are not fitted (vehicle manufactured after 1 January 1972).
• is not suitable for class of licence.
• is not suitable for type of disability.
• has sharp edges caused by body damage.
• has any mirror broken or damaged to the extent that it distorts vision.
• has any wheel rim excessively damaged.
• has any visible wheel nuts missing.
• has any excessive under body fluid leaks.
• dual brake (if fitted) IS operational.
• dual accelerator (if fitted) is NOT operational (dual accelerator must be secured out of reach or rendered inoperable).
• front passenger door handle (either inside or outside), or window handle, is missing or inoperative.
• does not have solid front doors (cloth or fabric doors are not acceptable).
• is a convertible or Targa top and the roof is not capable of being covered in, at the request of the testing officer or in the event of bad weather.
If you're interested in further insights into the NSW driving test reach out at anytime on 0499 096255.
Until then stay safe!
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The NSW driving test