The Queensland learner's permit test has 50 questions

The Queensland learner's permit test, officially called the Hazard Perception Test (HPT), contains 50 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer at least 43 questions correctly to pass — that is a score of 86 percent. The test covers road rules, road signs, vehicle safety, and hazard recognition, all based on Queensland road laws.

The test is computer-based and delivered at approved testing centres across Queensland. You cannot take it online from home. The entire test takes about 45 minutes to complete, though the actual answering time is shorter — the extra time includes instructions and system setup.

Key Takeaways

  • The Queensland learner's permit test has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 43 correctly to pass.
  • Questions cover road rules, road signs, vehicle safety, and hazard recognition based on Queensland traffic laws.
  • The test is taken at an approved testing centre on a computer, not online at home.
  • You have one attempt per booking, and if you do not pass, you must book and pay for another test session.

What the 50 questions cover

The questions are divided across several topic areas that reflect real driving situations. Most questions focus on road rules and road signs — understanding speed limits, lane markings, traffic lights, and what different signs mean. A significant portion also tests your knowledge of vehicle safety, including seatbelts, child restraints, and basic vehicle maintenance.

Hazard recognition makes up a substantial part of the test. These questions show you scenarios — a car pulling out of a side street, a pedestrian stepping between parked cars, wet road conditions — and ask what you would do or what danger you see. These are not trick questions; they test whether you understand how to spot and respond to common driving hazards.

The remaining questions cover topics like alcohol and drug impairment, fatigue, distraction, and your responsibilities as a learner driver in Queensland. A few questions may address specific Queensland rules that differ from other states, such as the colour of learner plates or specific restrictions on learner drivers.

How the test is structured and timed

All 50 questions appear on screen one at a time. You read each question, select your answer from the options given, and move to the next question. You cannot go back to previous questions once you have submitted your answer, so you need to read carefully before selecting.

The test does not have a time limit per question, but the overall session has a time window. Most test centres allocate about 45 minutes for the entire process. This is enough time for most people to read and answer all 50 questions without rushing, but you should not expect to have time to sit and think for several minutes on any single question.

Passing score and what happens if you do not pass

You pass the test with a score of 86 percent or higher — that means 43 correct answers out of 50. If you score 42 or fewer correct answers, you do not pass and must retake the test. There is no partial credit or borderline pass; the threshold is fixed at 43 correct.

If you do not pass, you will receive a result notice showing which topic areas you struggled with — for example, "hazard recognition" or "road signs". You can use this feedback to study the areas you found difficult. You must book another test session and pay the test fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts in Queensland, so you can book another test when ready if you wish.

Where to take the test and how to book

The Queensland learner's permit test is delivered at approved testing centres run by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) and contracted service providers. You cannot take this test online or at home. You must attend a physical testing centre in person.

To book your test, visit the DTMR website or call their customer service line. You will need to provide your learner's permit number and personal details. The test fee is set by Queensland and is the same regardless of which testing centre you use. You choose your preferred date and time from available slots, and you receive a confirmation with the centre address and your booking details.

How to prepare for the 50 questions

The Queensland Road Rules handbook is the official source for test content. You can read it free from the DTMR website or request a printed copy. Reading through the handbook once gives you a solid foundation, but most people benefit from practice tests that show you the style and difficulty of actual questions.

Practice tests are available through the DTMR website and through third-party providers. Working through practice questions helps you identify which topics need more study and gets you used to the computer-based format and the way questions are worded. Many people find that doing 100 to 150 practice questions before the real test significantly improves their confidence and score.

Focus your study on the areas that appear most frequently in the test: road signs, speed limits and road rules, hazard recognition, and vehicle safety. These topics make up the majority of the 50 questions, so mastering them will have the biggest impact on your score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retake the test the same day if I fail?

No. If you do not pass, you must book a new test session for a different date. You cannot take the test twice in one day at the same centre. However, you can book your next attempt when ready after receiving your result, and some centres may have availability within a few days.

What happens if I run out of time before answering all 50 questions?

If you have not submitted your answers when the time window closes, the test ends and you are marked on the questions you completed. This is rare because 45 minutes is generally enough time to answer all 50 questions. If you are concerned about pacing, practice tests help you work at a comfortable speed.

Are all 50 questions equally difficult?

No. Some questions are straightforward — identifying a road sign or stating a speed limit — while others require you to think through a scenario. The test is designed to test a range of knowledge and judgment, so difficulty varies. You do not need to get every question right; you only need 43 correct to pass.

Do I need to study Queensland-specific rules?

Yes. Some questions test knowledge specific to Queensland, such as Queensland learner plate rules, Queensland speed limits, and Queensland-specific road signs. The Road Rules handbook covers all of these. If you learned to drive in another state, pay extra attention to any differences in Queensland rules.