New driver test process strengthened

The State Government has made changes to improve the provisional licence process which come into effect today (October 9).

The improvements to the provisional licence process enable novice drivers to develop the necessary skills to drive a vehicle safely and build the experience they need to cope with potential hazards and distractions while driving.

One of the major changes is the re-sequence of the Hazard Perception Test (HPT) and Practical Driving Assessment (PDA).

Applicants must complete the HPT before the PDA, which will result in driver's licence applicants having greater driving experience when attempting their PDA.

Applicants must be 17 years of age or older and have completed 50 hours of supervised driving, including five hours of supervised night-time driving, before being eligible to attempt the PDA.

Changing the sequence will not only see applicants have greater driving experience when attempting their PDA, it will reduce the complexity of the provisional licence process, align Western Australia with other Australian jurisdictions and streamline the Department of Transport's service delivery.

New modernised car HPT clips - designed to measure a novice driver's ability to assess traffic situations and make safe driving decisions - are now live and provide applicants an improved experience.

In anticipation of increased customer attendance for a computer-based theory or hazard perception test, the Department of Transport has put measures in place to alleviate wait times, however customers should be prepared for additional wait times for the next few weeks.

Existing learner's permit holders will automatically transfer to the new process. For more information, visit http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/gdtl

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"The new sequence does not increase the number of supervised driving hours an applicant must complete to obtain a provisional licence.

"The new national Hazard Perception Test is an Austroads-funded project and is a great example of our Government working in partnership to achieve a common goal.

"Western Australia is the first jurisdiction to implement the new national Hazard Perception Test.

"The computer-based HPT measures a driver's ability to recognise potentially dangerous situations on the road and respond appropriately.

"The requirement for a minimum of five hours of supervised night-time driving provides better opportunities for supervised experience in conditions which are high-risk to provisional drivers."