Road User Handbook (NSW) – Key Terms (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the NSW Road User Handbook.

Driver Knowledge Test (DKT)

The test you must pass to apply for a driver licence; can be completed online or in-person; assesses road rules and safe driving behaviour.

Hazard Perception Test (HPT)

A computer-based test measuring your ability to recognise and respond to road hazards using film clips.

Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS)

A staged process to obtain a full licence: Learner, Provisional P1 (red P), Provisional P2 (green P), and Full licence; designed to develop safe, low‑risk driving.

A licensing system that allows novice drivers to progressively gain driving experience and skills through multiple stages, including Learner, Provisional P1 (red), Provisional P2 (green), and finally Full license, aimed at ensuring safety on the roads.

Learner licence

First licensing stage; allows supervised practice with a fully licensed supervisor; valid for 5 years; learners under 25 must log at least 120 hours of driving (including 20 hours at night); L plates required.

Safer Drivers Course

A program that helps hazard perception and safe driving skills; provides 20 hours log book credit on completion.

3 for 1 driving lessons

Structured lessons where each 1-hour lesson credits 3 hours of logged driving experience in the log book.

Driver Licensing Access Program (DLAP)

A free program providing support to people who face extra challenges in getting a licence (e.g., Aboriginal or disadvantaged communities).

MyServiceNSW Account

An account needed to enrol in the DKT online and to access digital licences; used to verify identity and manage licensing.

DKT online

Driver Knowledge Test delivered online; interactive course and test; requires an age minimum and a MyServiceNSW account; you can retake as needed for one fee.

DKT in-person

Driver Knowledge Test delivered at a service centre as a computer-based, multiple-choice test; requires booking; passing allows you to apply for a learner licence.

Step 1: Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) online vs in-person

Two options to complete the DKT: online (at home) or in-person (at a service centre) depending on preference and eligibility.

Provisional P1 licence (red P)

First provisional licence after passing the Driving Test; has specific restrictions; valid for 18 months; can progress to P2 after at least 12 months.

Provisional P2 licence (green P)

Second provisional licence after P1; has its own restrictions; valid for 36 months; can progress to a full licence after 24 months.

Full (unrestricted) licence

The final licence after completing GLS; can be issued for 1, 3, 5, or 10 years based on age and circumstances.

Car (C) licence

Licence to drive vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass (GVM) and seating up to 12 adults; includes utes, vans, some light trucks and car-based tricycles; carries restrictions (e.g., cannot carry under-16 passengers in a car-based motor tricycle).

Rider (R) licence

Licence to ride motorcycles, scooters, or motor tricycles.

Light Rigid (LR) licence

Licence to drive C vehicles plus heavier vehicles up to 8 tonnes GVM, seating more than 12 including the driver, and towing up to 9 tonnes.

Medium Rigid (MR) licence

Licence to drive C and LR vehicles plus rigid vehicles with two axles over 8 tonnes GVM, towing up to 9 tonnes.

Heavy Rigid (HR) licence

Licence to drive C, LR, MR vehicles plus rigid vehicles with 3+ axles over 8 tonnes GVM, towing up to 9 tonnes.

Heavy Combination (HC) licence

Licence to drive C, LR, MR and HR vehicles plus prime movers with semi-trailers and other heavy towing combinations.

Multi Combination (MC) licence

Licence to drive C, LR, MR, HR, HC vehicles plus B-doubles, road trains, low loaders and similar heavy combinations.

Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)

The maximum permissible weight of a vehicle including its load.

Log book hours

Record of driving practice required for learners: typically 120 hours total, including 20 hours of night driving.

L plates

Learner plates to be displayed by learner drivers to indicate learner status.

Supervisor

A fully licensed driver who must accompany and supervise the learner during practice.

Eyesight test

A mandatory check to ensure you meet the vision requirements to drive legally.

Residential address in NSW

You must have a residential address in NSW to apply for licences.

Interpreters (DSA)

Free interpreter service available for the DKT or HPT; call 13 22 13 to arrange.