Full licence test guide 

Tasks assessment items 

Each task assessment item assesses one aspect of driving performance during the execution of an assessable task at a specific location on the test route. For example, observation might be assessed when turning Left from Smith Street into Jones Road. 

Task assessment items are not assessed while driving between assessable driving tasks. They contribute to the applicant’s point score
for the test. 

There are six task assessment items that may be assigned to an assessable task as follows: 

• observation
• signalling
• gap selection 
• following distance
• hazard detection
• hazard response. 

Observation – explanation 

Safe, effective driving is achieved when drivers observe and assess the ever changing driving environment in front of, to both sides and to the rear of their vehicles. Throughout the test the applicant must demonstrate thorough observation skills. This includes using mirrors and performing head checks (as appropriate). 

Observation – requirements 

• Maintains a continuous lookout ahead of the vehicle, except when making brief checks of the mirrors and other directions.
• When driving straight, checks the mirrors often enough to maintain awareness of surrounding traffic. The required frequency varies with traffic conditions. 
• When required to give way to other traffic (such as when facing a Give Way sign, turning across oncoming traffic, approaching a pedestrian crossing or entering a roundabout), looks in the direction(s) from which conflicting traffic (or pedestrians) might approach before proceeding.
• Checks the relevant mirror(s) immediately before braking. 
• Prior to turning or diverging (including when entering or crossing a special vehicle lane in preparation for a right turn): 

• checks the relevant mirror(s) immediately before signalling 
• performs a head check immediately before moving laterally (if appropriate). 

• When turning, looks in the planned direction of travel (ie in the direction of the turn) before making the turn. 
• Prior to driving over a railway crossing, looks in both directions for approaching rail vehicles. 

Signalling – explanation 

Communication with other road users is an important aspect of safely sharing the road. A vehicle’s indicators provide the main means of
communicating a driver’s intention to change direction. The applicant needs to demonstrate their ability to apply the appropriate signals throughout the test, irrespective of traffic conditions. 

Signalling – requirements 

• Activates the turn indicator for the appropriate direction (right or left) for at least three seconds (even if no other traffic is present) before: 

• turning
• pulling out from the kerb 
• pulling into the kerb 
• changing lanes 
• diverging right or left by at least the width of the car (other than pulling out from the kerb) 
• diverging by less than the width of the car in circumstances where it is necessary to warn other road users of the intended movement (eg to indicate that the applicant intends to overtake a parked car before allowing an oncoming vehicle to pass). 

• When turning at a roundabout: 

• activates the turn indicator in the appropriate direction (right or left) for at least three seconds prior to entering the roundabout 
• activates the right turn indicator before leaving the roundabout. 

• When travelling straight ahead at a roundabout: 

• does not signal prior to entering the roundabout 
• activates the right turn indicator before leaving the roundabout. 

• When turning right or left, does not activate the turn indicator so early as to possibly mislead other road users about which street the
  applicant intends to turn into.
• Maintains the turn signal until the turn or diverge has been completed.
• Cancels the turn indicator if necessary when the turn or diverge has been completed.