VicRoads moves Hazard Perception Test online

The Victorian Government has moved its Hazard Perception Test for prospective provisional drivers online.

VicRoads announced the transition as part of a raft of changes aimed at improving its digital offering – including the Learner Permit Test, which also recently became available to take online.

The move has come amidst a series of record-high COVID-19 cases in the state, with the safety of its team and those undertaking the test during the global pandemic undoubtedly a factor.

It's understood however that the change was already in the works, and has just been brought forward as a result of COVID related restrictions.

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Available through an online portal for learner drivers who are eligible and aged at least 17 years and 11 months old, the HPT is the first step towards being able to drive alone – preceding the driving test itself, which assesses real-world competency.

In the test, 25 driving scenarios are presented to those undertaking it, with 45 minutes given to complete.

The online HPT is just under half the cost of the in-person test at $19.10, saving drivers the $19.20 appointment fee which is usually charged to take the mandatory test.

VicRoads provides a free practice test for learner drivers to understand what will be on the real examination, as a fail in the HPT will require a second payment to re-try the necessary pre-licence component.

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A Department of Transport spokesperson told WhichCar the online test was already proving to be a popular alternative.

“We’re making sure all learner drivers know how to identify and respond safely to hazards on the road,” they said.

“More than 6000 Victorians have already completed the new Hazard Perception Test online since it launched last week.”