The Andrews Labor Government is rolling out a new Hazard Perception Test across the state to better prepare learner drivers to safely share our roads.

Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford visited the new VicRoads Deer Park Licence Testing Centre today to give the new initiative, developed by road safety experts, a test drive.

The Hazard Perception Test assesses a driver’s ability to identify potential hazards and reacts to other road users including other cars, pedestrians and cyclists.

The interactive, computer-based test looks at how a driver observes the surrounding environment, including footpaths and roadsides and their ability to respond safely to hazards in the fast-paced driving environment.

The test is an important part of the Graduated Licensing System, helping novice drivers gain the skills and experience they need to become safe drivers.

More than half-a-million drivers have participated in the Graduated Licensing System over the past 10 years, which has contributed to a 20 per cent reduction in the number of 18-23 year olds involved in fatal and serious injury crashes.

The Hazard Perception Test is a compulsory test which learner drivers have to pass before they can sit the on-road driver licence test.

The new test will be rolled out progressively across the state in coming weeks, starting with a pilot at the newly opened Deer Park Licence Testing Centre.

The centre provides learner permit tests and licence testing services by appointment.