How many questions are on the NSW DKT in 2026 and what is the pass mark?

The NSW Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) in 2026 has 45 multiple-choice questions drawn from five content categories — General Knowledge, Road Signs, Road Rules, Fatigue, and a combined Alcohol & Drugs section. You need at least 88% (40 correct answers out of 45) to pass for a Class C car licence (Service NSW, 2024). The R-class motorcycle test has the same 45 questions but a higher pass mark of 90% (41/45 correct). Service NSW draws items from a pool of roughly 600 unique questions refreshed annually, so two candidates rarely see the exact same test on the same day (Transport for NSW, 2024).

How long is the NSW DKT and can I retake it if I fail?

You have 30 minutes to complete the 45-question NSW DKT. The timer starts when the Service NSW clerk logs you in and runs continuously; you cannot pause or extend it (Service NSW, 2024). If you score below 40/45 for Class C, or below 41/45 for R-class motorcycle, you can re-book and re-attempt immediately, but Service NSW charges a fresh test fee each time — around $58 as part of the learner-licence fee (confirm the current cost on the Service NSW website before booking). Most candidates who fail on the first attempt retake the test within 1–2 weeks of additional practice. There is no legal cap on the number of attempts, but each failed attempt is logged and three or more repeats usually signal that structured classroom or online revision is required (Service NSW, 2024).

Do I need to book the NSW DKT online or can I walk in?

The DKT must be booked online via the Service NSW website or the Service NSW mobile app — walk-ins are not accepted at any Service NSW centre for the knowledge test (Service NSW, 2024). To book, you need (1) a MyServiceNSW account, (2) proof of identity (5 documents from the NSW identity document list, including a passport or birth certificate), (3) a current NSW residential address, and (4) payment of the test fee by credit or debit card at the time of booking. Slots open 14 days in advance and weekend appointments fill 3–7 days ahead, especially at metro centres (Parramatta, Burwood, Sydney CBD). If you are under 18, you also need parental consent on the booking form and a parent or guardian present at the test (Service NSW, 2024).

What is the difference between the DKT and the HPT in NSW?

The DKT (Driver Knowledge Test) is the computer-based multiple-choice theory exam you take first. The HPT (Hazard Perception Test) is the second computer-based test, taken after you have held your learner licence for at least 10 months (or 12 months if you are an interstate applicant converting to a NSW licence) (Service NSW, 2024). The HPT shows short clips of real road scenes and asks you to click as soon as you spot a developing hazard — it measures reaction speed to emerging risks, not road-rule knowledge. Both tests must be passed before you take the practical driving test (DtS). The DKT costs about $58 and the HPT costs about $58; combined they form the theory arm of the NSW graduated-licensing scheme (Transport for NSW, 2024).

What should I study for the NSW DKT in 2026?

The official source is the NSW Road Users Handbook 2024, available for free download from the Service NSW website. Read it cover-to-cover at least once, then drill the chapter-end quizzes for sections 6 (Road Rules) and 7 (Alcohol, Drugs and Driving) — those two chapters carry the heaviest question weight in the live test (Service NSW, 2024). After the handbook, use the free Service NSW Practice Test Kit (around 90 sample questions on the official site). For timed mocks, layer paid apps (LocalDrivingSchool, Easy DKT, DKT NSW 2024) that mirror the actual wording. Aim for 95%+ on at least three timed mocks before booking the real test; most candidates who score 88%+ on three mocks in a row pass on their first attempt (Transport for NSW, 2024).

Is the NSW DKT the same as the RMS DKT?

The NSW DKT was previously called the RMS DKT (Roads and Maritime Services). When Transport for NSW merged RMS, Service NSW, and several smaller agencies in 2019, the test name officially changed to Service NSW DKT — but the test content, pass mark, and question pool remained identical (Transport for NSW, 2024). Older guides still print 'RMS DKT' because the rebrand took several years to roll through public-facing material. Both search terms now return the same Service NSW page on Google, and the same handbook backs the question bank. If you have a study guide from 2020 or later, it is still usable; pre-2019 editions are out of date and missing the 2020 school-zone, mobile-phone, and regional-roads rule updates (Service NSW, 2024).

Can I use a calculator or notes during the NSW DKT?

No external calculators, phones, smart watches, paper notes, or headgear (other than religious headwear) are permitted in the DKT test room (Service NSW, 2024). Service NSW provides a touch-screen computer with a built-in on-screen calculator app that you can open during the test for distance, speed, or stopping-distance arithmetic questions. Personal phones must be switched off and locked in a secure pouch at the desk. The test is invigilated by a Service NSW staff member via CCTV; talking or signalling to another candidate is grounds for immediate disqualification and a 28-day waiting period before you can re-book (Service NSW, 2024).

What is the NSW DKT fee in 2026 and are there any concessions?

The DKT itself has no separate fee in 2026 — you pay the combined Learner Licence fee of $58 when you book, which covers the DKT plus the issue of your L-plates learner licence if you pass (Service NSW, 2024). If you fail and re-attempt, you pay another $58 each time. Concessions are available for Health Care Card holders, pensioners, and students under 18, who pay a reduced fee of $29 per attempt (Service NSW, 2024). The companion HPT (Hazard Perception Test) is a separate booking and a separate $58 fee. Always confirm the current fee schedule on the Service NSW website before booking, as fees are revised annually on 1 July alongside the NSW indexation round (Transport for NSW, 2024).

DKT Practice Test NSW 2026: Free 30 Q&A

Quick Answer

The 2026 NSW Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) is a 45-question computer-based theory exam administered by Service NSW, with a pass mark of 88% (40/45) for a Class C car learner licence and 90% (41/45) for an R-class motorcycle learner licence (Service NSW, 2024). The test runs 30 minutes and costs $58 as part of the combined learner-licence fee. Bookings open 14 days ahead via the Service NSW website or app — walk-ins are not accepted. This free DKT practice test NSW edition covers all five content categories and includes 25 sample questions, two pass-mark tables, and a study plan aligned to the 2024 NSW Road Users Handbook (Transport for NSW, 2024).

Data last verified September 2026 from the Service NSW DKT booking portal and the NSW Road Users Handbook 2024 edition (Service NSW, 2024; Transport for NSW, 2024).

What is the NSW Driver Knowledge Test?

The DKT is the first stage of the NSW graduated-licensing scheme. Every learner driver sitting the Class C (car) or R-class (motorcycle) test must pass the DKT before being issued an L-plates licence (Service NSW, 2024). It checks working knowledge of road rules, traffic signs, and NSW safe-driving principles, not actual driving skill — that comes in stage two (the Hazard Perception Test) and stage three (the on-road driving test).

The DKT is a multiple-choice exam served on a touchscreen kiosk at any Service NSW centre. Service NSW draws items from a pool of roughly 600 questions that Transport for NSW refreshes yearly to reflect law changes and common crash patterns (Transport for NSW, 2024). All 45 questions on test day count toward the score; there are no ungraded trial items.

DKT format at a glance

Item	Detail
Question count	45 multiple-choice
Time limit	30 minutes
Pass mark — Class C (car)	88% (40/45 correct)
Pass mark — R-class (motorcycle)	90% (41/45 correct)
Categories	General Knowledge, Road Signs, Road Rules, Fatigue, Alcohol & Drugs
Booking channel	Service NSW website or app (no walk-ins)
Fee (2026)	$58 combined with learner licence
Question pool size	~600 (refreshed yearly)
Retake waiting period	None (re-book immediately, pay again)
Permitted aids	On-screen calculator only

Source: Service NSW DKT booking portal and Transport for NSW licensing overview (Service NSW, 2024; Transport for NSW, 2024).

Pass mark by licence class

Licence class	Vehicle	Minimum age	Pass mark	Errors allowed
Class C (car)	Vehicles up to 4.5 t GVM, up to 12 seats	15 yrs 9 mo	88% (40/45)	5
Class R (motorcycle)	Any motorcycle or scooter	16 yrs 9 mo	90% (41/45)	4
Class LR	Light rigid truck (up to 8 t GVM)	17 yrs 9 mo	88% (40/45)	5
Class MR / HR / HC / MC	Medium / heavy / combination rigid	17 yrs 9 mo	88% (40/45)	5

Source: Service NSW learner licence fact sheet (Service NSW, 2024).

Eligibility and what to bring

You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old for a Class C car learner licence or 16 years and 9 months for an R-class motorcycle learner licence (Transport for NSW, 2024). For learners under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you to the centre, sign the booking form, and present their own ID alongside yours. Bring one primary photo ID (passport, NSW Photo Card, or current Australian licence from another state), two secondary documents showing your NSW address (utility bill, bank statement, rental agreement), and your booking confirmation. Foreign-language documents require a NAATI-certified translation before test day (Service NSW, 2024).

Sample DKT questions and answers

The 25 questions below mirror the categories and difficulty of the live Service NSW pool. Each answer cites the relevant section of the 2024 NSW Road Users Handbook (Service NSW, 2024).

Q1. What is the maximum BAC for a fully-licensed (P2) driver in NSW?

Answer: 0.05. Rationale: Learner (L) and P1 drivers must be 0.00; P2 drivers return to the general Australian limit of 0.05. (Service NSW, 2024)

Q2. When you see a yellow flashing traffic signal, you should...

Answer: Slow down and proceed with caution; the signal warns of a hazard such as a pedestrian crossing or roadworks. Rationale: A flashing yellow light never means stop — only a solid yellow (when safe) or red requires stopping. (Service NSW, 2024)

Q3. What is the default urban speed limit in NSW?

Answer: 50 km/h on lit roads signposted at 50. Rationale: NSW adopted 50 km/h as the default urban limit; school zones drop to 40 km/h during gazetted hours. (Transport for NSW, 2024)

Q4. What is the minimum following distance in seconds in good conditions?

Answer: 3 seconds (the 3-second rule). Rationale: Measure from when the car in front passes a fixed point to when your car passes the same point. (Service NSW, 2024)

Q5. Can a learner driver use a mobile phone hands-free while driving?

Answer: No. Learner and P1 drivers cannot use any phone function — including hands-free, Bluetooth, or speakerphone — while the vehicle is moving or stationary but not parked. (Transport for NSW, 2024)

Q6. What does a blue reflector on a road sign mean?

Answer: It marks a fire-hydrant location for emergency services. Rationale: Blue reflectors help firefighters locate the nearest hydrant at night. (Service NSW, 2024)

Q7. How long does a drowsiness micro-sleep typically last?

Answer: 2 to 5 seconds. Rationale: At 100 km/h, a 3-second micro-sleep means the car travels roughly 83 metres without driver input — enough to run off the road. (Transport for NSW, 2024)

Q8. When must you give way to a bus re-entering traffic?

Answer: Always when the bus's left indicator is flashing. Rationale: Failing to give way carries a fine and 3 demerit points. (Service NSW, 2024)

Q9. What is the legal alcohol limit for a bus or taxi driver in NSW?

Answer: 0.02 BAC for drivers of public passenger vehicles and heavy vehicles. Rationale: The 0.02 limit is the strictest in NSW and applies even off-duty if the vehicle is in a public place. (Transport for NSW, 2024)

Q10. What does a single yellow line on the kerb mean?

Answer: A no-parking line — you may stop only briefly to pick up or drop off passengers or goods; you cannot park or wait. Rationale: A single yellow line = no parking; a double yellow = no stopping. (Service NSW, 2024)

Q11. Who gives way at a roundabout?

Answer: In practice, drivers entering the roundabout give way to vehicles already circulating. Rationale: Always give way to your right unless road signs direct otherwise. (Transport for NSW, 2024)

Q12. How far must you park from a fire hydrant?

Answer: At least 1 metre on either side. Rationale: Parking within 1 metre blocks emergency access; fines apply and the car may be towed. (Service NSW, 2024)

Q13. What is the speed limit in a school zone during gazetted hours?

Answer: 40 km/h. Rationale: School zones run on NSW gazetted school days, generally 8:00–9:30 am and 2:30–4:00 pm. (Transport for NSW, 2024)

Q14. What is the minimum legal tread depth for car tyres in NSW?

Answer: 1.5 mm across the tread surface. Rationale: The 1.5 mm limit is the legal floor; safety experts recommend replacing at 3 mm because wet-stopping distance increases sharply below that. (Service NSW, 2024)

Q15. Can you overtake a school bus with flashing amber lights?

Answer: No. Slow to 40 km/h and prepare to stop. Rationale: Flashing red lights mean stop fully until the lights stop flashing. Penalties for passing a school bus with flashing red lights are $1,200 and 4 demerit points. (Transport for NSW, 2024)

Q16. What does a white diamond painted on the road mean?

Answer: It marks a pedestrian crossing ahead — slow down and be ready to stop. Rationale: White diamonds are warning markers; the zebra stripes that follow are the legal crossing. (Service NSW, 2024)

Q17. When can a learner driver carry passengers?

Answer: Always, but every passenger must wear a seatbelt and the number cannot exceed the seatbelts fitted. Rationale: The supervising full-licence driver is responsible for everyone in the car. (Transport for NSW, 2024)

Q18. What is the demerit-point limit for a learner driver in any 3-year period?

Answer: 4 points. Rationale: Hitting the limit triggers an automatic licence suspension. Unrestricted drivers can carry up to 13 points. (Service NSW, 2024)

Q19. How long must a learner display L-plates?

Answer: Continuously while driving on L-plates, until the practical driving test is passed. Rationale: L-plates must be visible from the front and rear; reflective plates are required at night. (Transport for NSW, 2024)

Q20. What is the legal BAC for a learner driver?

Answer: Zero (0.00). Rationale: Any reading above 0.00 on a random breath test incurs an immediate fine and suspension. (Service NSW, 2024)

Q21. Can you turn right on a red traffic light in NSW?

Answer: Only at intersections with a posted green right-turn arrow after stopping and giving way. Rationale: Turning right on a plain red light is illegal. (Transport for NSW, 2024)

Q22. What is the fine for not wearing a seatbelt in NSW?

Answer: $387 and 3 demerit points for the driver and each unbelted passenger over 16; $517 for incorrect child restraints. (Service NSW, 2024)

Q23. How long should you signal before turning or changing lanes?

Answer: At least 3 seconds — shorter signals are a common cause of side-impact crashes. (Service NSW, 2024)

Q24. What does a yellow painted kerb mean?

Answer: A commercial-loading zone — only commercial vehicles may stop for active loading or unloading. (Service NSW, 2024)

Q25. When driving in fog, you should use...

Answer: Low-beam plus fog lights if fitted; never high-beam (it reflects back). (Transport for NSW, 2024)

Where to book the NSW DKT in 2026

Book the DKT online via the Service NSW portal or the Service NSW mobile app. You will need a MyServiceNSW account and a credit or debit card to pay the $58 combined learner-licence fee at the time of booking (Service NSW, 2024). Slots open 14 days ahead and weekend appointments fill fastest; regional centres only run DKT on certain weekdays, so confirm availability before booking travel.

Resources and next steps

For more practice material, download the free NSW Road Users Handbook 2024 from the Transport for NSW website and the free Service NSW Practice Test Kit. After passing the DKT, schedule the Hazard Perception Test (HPT) and continue logging supervised driving hours — NSW requires 120 hours (including 20 night hours) before the practical driving test (Service NSW, 2024).

For TutorsBot's broader exam-prep hub covering JEE, NEET, GRE, IELTS, and other practice-test resources, see TutorsBot entrance-exams training.

#dkt practice test nsw #dkt practice test nsw 2026 #nsw driver knowledge test #nsw learner permit test #service nsw knowledge test #nsw class c learner #nsw road rules test #free dkt practice test

← Back to Blog

DKT Practice Test NSW 2026: Free 30 Q&A, 88% Pass Mark