About the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT)
Before you can obtain a learner licence in Australia, you must pass the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT), a multiple-choice assessment covering road rules, road signs, and safe driving practices. The DKT is administered by the road authority in each state: Service NSW, VicRoads (VicRoads Licensing), Department of Transport and Main Roads (QLD), and equivalent bodies in other states and territories. All are based on the Australian Road Rules framework.
The DKT covers four areas:
- Road Rules: give way rules, speed limits, intersections, roundabouts, lane use, overtaking, parking, and right-of-way obligations
- Road Signs: warning signs, regulatory signs, speed limit signs, information signs, road markings, and traffic signal rules
- Safe Driving: stopping distances, hazard awareness, driving in adverse conditions, fatigue, mobile phone use, and blood alcohol limits
- Licensing Rules: learner licence conditions, supervisor requirements, logbook obligations, demerit points, and the graduated licensing system
Important: Australia uses a graduated licensing system. A learner licence imposes strict conditions, you must always be supervised, display L plates, and observe zero blood alcohol. Violating these conditions can result in fines, demerit points, and suspension. Know the conditions before you drive.
Key DKT Facts to Know
- NSW: 45 questions; need to score 36/45 (80%) to pass. Costs around $18 online or in person at a Service Centre
- VIC: 32 questions; need to score 28/32 (approximately 88%) to pass
- QLD: 30 questions; need to score 27/30 (90%) to pass
- No calculator, no notes: The test is closed-book under timed conditions
- Can retake: If you fail, you can retake the DKT, waiting periods are short (typically 24 hours to 3 days depending on state)
- Learner conditions (NSW): Must be supervised at all times by a licensed driver aged 25+ with 12+ months full licence; zero BAC; L plates displayed front and rear
- Speed limit on Ls (NSW): 90 km/h maximum for learner drivers; some states apply lower limits
- Logbook requirement: NSW, VIC and QLD learners must complete a minimum of 120 supervised hours before applying for a P1 licence
Road authority websites provide limited or basic practice materials. TestReady AU fills that gap with 140+ realistic DKT-style questions across all four sections, with full explanations referenced to the Australian Road Rules.
| Feature | Road Authority Practice Tests | TestReady AU |
|---|
| Practice questions | Basic sample only | 140+ questions |
| All 4 DKT sections | Not drill-ready | Road Rules, Signs, Safety, Licensing |
| Answer explanations | Limited | Every question |
| Instant feedback | No | Yes |
| Drill by section | No | Yes |
Free sample: Try 5 randomly selected questions below. Use Drill Mode to target the sections you find hardest, give way rules and road signs are where most candidates lose marks.
