NSW Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) Study Guide - Service NSW
The NSW Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) is the first step in the Graduated Licensing Scheme - pass it and you receive a Class C Learner Licence (the L plate) that lets you drive a car under supervision. The DKT is administered by Service NSW on a touch-screen terminal. This guide explains the test format, the Road Users' Handbook content that DKT items are drawn from, and the rules that catch first-time takers most often.
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What the NSW DKT covers
NSW Graduated Licensing Scheme
NSW uses a four-stage system. The DKT is the gate to stage 1 (the Learner Licence). The test asks about the conditions of every stage, not just the L stage.
| Stage | Plates | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Learner | Yellow L plates (front and rear) | Always with a fully licensed supervisor in the front, max 90 km/h, zero BAC, no mobile phone use at all, log 120 supervised hours (incl. 20 night) |
| Provisional P1 | Red P plates | Held minimum 12 months, max 90 km/h, zero BAC, no mobile phone use, max 1 passenger under 21 between 11pm-5am for under-25 drivers |
| Provisional P2 | Green P plates | Held minimum 24 months, max 100 km/h, zero BAC, mobile phone restrictions still apply |
| Full | - | Standard NSW BAC of 0.05, full demerit threshold (13 points) |
Sign and marking families
- Regulatory signs (white/red) - speed limits, stop, give way, no entry. Failing to follow these is an offence.
- Warning signs (yellow diamond, black symbols) - curves, pedestrian crossings, school zones, animals on road.
- Roadwork signs (orange) - temporary at construction sites, often combined with reduced speed limits.
- Information signs (blue/green) - services, route numbers, distance to towns.
- Tourist signs (brown) - points of interest.
- Pavement markings - continuous lines (no overtaking), broken lines (overtaking allowed when safe), double lines (overtaking only when both your lane is broken and the way is clear).
Speed limits and school zones
| Environment | Default limit |
|---|---|
| Built-up area (urban) | 50 km/h |
| School zone (8:00-9:30 and 14:30-16:00 on school days) | 40 km/h |
| Shared zones (inner city) | 10 km/h |
| Rural roads (no signs) | 100 km/h |
| Motorway | Up to 110 km/h where signed |
Alcohol, drugs, and demerits
- Zero BAC for all Learner, P1, and P2 drivers - and for full-licence drivers in the first 3 years from a higher class.
- 0.05 BAC limit for full-licence Class C drivers.
- Random Breath Testing (RBT) and Mobile Drug Testing (MDT) are conducted by NSW Police and can occur at any time.
- Demerit thresholds - Learner and P1: 4 points; P2: 7 points; full Class C: 13 points.
- Mobile-phone offence costs 5 demerit points (10 in school zones) and a fine - enough to suspend a Learner or P1 immediately.
Where first-time takers lose marks
- Confusing 'merge' (zip merging - give way to traffic in the lane you're moving into) with 'change lanes' (give way to all traffic in the lane). The Road Users' Handbook treats these distinctly.
- Misjudging stopping distance under wet conditions - at 60 km/h dry, ~38m total; wet, ~50m+.
- Forgetting that a flashing yellow at a school sign means the 40 km/h zone is active even outside posted hours.
- Right-of-way at a T-intersection - the vehicle on the terminating road must give way to all vehicles on the continuing road.
- Roundabout signalling - signal right when entering if you'll exit past 12 o'clock; signal left when leaving any exit.
A 7-day study plan
- Day 1: Read the Road Users' Handbook chapters on signs and speed limits. Take the signs category in tutorial mode.
- Day 2: Drill signs and pavement markings only.
- Day 3: Right-of-way rules (intersections, T-junctions, roundabouts, slip lanes).
- Day 4: GLS conditions - match each restriction to its stage from memory.
- Day 5: Alcohol, drugs, and mobile phone rules. Read the demerit schedule.
- Day 6: Full timed practice exam in the reviewer. Aim for 95%+ on Road Safety.
- Day 7: Review missed items. Bring your evidence-of-identity documents to Service NSW.
Ready to practice?
Try the NSW Driver Knowledge Test - 30 questions in the pool, 25-question timed exam.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pass mark for the NSW DKT?
You must answer 90% of General Knowledge questions correctly and pass the Road Safety section. The Road Safety questions are weighted higher - getting them wrong fails you faster than missing General Knowledge items.
How many questions are on the DKT?
45 multiple-choice questions split between General Knowledge and Road Safety. The mix is randomised; you cannot study a fixed set of items.
Can I retake the DKT if I fail?
Yes. Service NSW allows you to retake the test after a short waiting period (often the next business day) on payment of the test fee each time. There is no statutory limit on attempts.
What do I need to bring to the DKT?
Bring evidence of identity that meets Service NSW's 100-point check (e.g. Australian passport + Medicare card, or birth certificate + photo ID), proof of address, and the test fee. Foreign licences may also be accepted as identity evidence.
Does the DKT include hazard perception?
No. Hazard Perception Test (HPT) is a separate test taken later, before progressing from Learner to Provisional P1. The DKT is multiple-choice text questions only.
How long is the Learner Licence valid?
5 years. You must hold the Learner Licence for a minimum of 12 months and complete 120 supervised driving hours (including 20 hours of night driving) before sitting the driving test for a P1 licence.
References
- [1]Road Users' Handbook - Transport for NSW
- [2]Driver Knowledge Test - Service NSW - Service NSW
- [3]Graduated Licensing Scheme - Stages and Conditions - Transport for NSW
- [4]Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW) - NSW Legislation
- [5]Road Rules 2014 (NSW) - NSW Legislation