About the Australian Firearms Licence Knowledge Test
Before you can be issued a firearms licence in Australia, you must demonstrate knowledge of safe firearms handling, storage, and the relevant state legislation. Each state and territory administers its own licensing system, but all require applicants to pass a knowledge assessment as part of the application process. The test ensures licence holders understand both the legal and practical obligations that come with owning or using firearms.
The knowledge assessment typically covers four areas:
- Firearms Legislation: the relevant state Firearms Act, prohibited firearms, licence categories, conditions, and the obligations of licence holders
- Safe Storage: approved storage requirements for different firearm categories, storage of ammunition, securing requirements, and obligations when moving firearms
- Safe Handling: safe use, loading, unloading, cleaning, transportation, and range safety protocols
- Licence Categories: understanding which licence category applies to which type of firearm activity, sporting, hunting, primary production, occupational use
Important: Firearms legislation differs by state. NSW is governed by the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW); Victoria by the Firearms Act 1996 (Vic); Queensland by the Weapons Act 1990 (Qld). Make sure you study the legislation for your state, using another state's rules in your assessment will result in incorrect answers.
Key Australian Firearms Licensing Facts to Know
- Minimum age: 18 years for most licence categories across all states
- Genuine reason required: Applicants must demonstrate a genuine reason for holding each licence category (sport/target shooting, hunting, primary production, etc.)
- Prohibited persons: People with certain criminal convictions, apprehended violence orders, or mental health orders are prohibited from holding a licence
- Storage requirements: All licensed firearms must be stored in an approved locked container; requirements vary by firearm category and quantity
- Ammunition storage: Ammunition must be stored separately from firearms in a locked container
- Prohibited firearms: Fully automatic firearms, pump-action rifles and shotguns, and certain semi-automatic weapons are prohibited or heavily restricted in all states
- Reporting obligations: Theft, loss, or damage to a firearm must be reported to police immediately in all jurisdictions
- Club membership: Category A and B licence holders for sporting purposes must be members of an approved shooting club and participate in a minimum number of shoots per year
State licensing authorities do not provide practice tests for the knowledge assessment. TestReady AU fills that gap with 100+ realistic questions covering firearms legislation, storage, handling and licensing, with step-by-step explanations for every answer.
| Feature | State Licensing Authority Sites | TestReady AU |
|---|
| Practice questions | None | 100+ questions |
| Answer explanations | None | Every question |
| Instant feedback | No | Yes |
| Progress tracking | No | Yes |
| Drill by question type | No | Yes |
Free sample: Try 5 randomly selected questions below. Use Drill Mode to focus on the section you find hardest.
