How the NSW Driver Knowledge Test works
Published 11 August 2026 · 7 min
The Driver Knowledge Test, or DKT, is NSW's learner theory test. Unlike some other states, NSW gives you two ways to sit it: online at home, or in person at a service centre. This post covers the official process for both.
You need a MyServiceNSW account
Both paths require a MyServiceNSW account, which you can create during enrolment. It is used to identify yourself to NSW government services online, manage your details, and later check demerit points and fines.
DKT online vs DKT in person
- DKT online: a self paced course of 3 interactive modules, taking around 4 to 6 hours in total, followed by a final test you must complete alone and in one sitting. No appointment needed. You can enrol from age 15 years and 11 months, though you can only apply for your learner licence once you turn 16.
- DKT in person: a multiple choice computer test at a service centre, booked online in advance. You need a completed licence application, proof of identity documents, and corrective eyewear if you need it.
Fees
The DKT fee is $58 either way, though for the online version you only pay it once you pass and apply for your licence, not up front. The learner licence application itself is a separate $32 fee. These figures are current at the time of writing, confirm the exact amount on the NSW fees page before you pay since government fees are reviewed periodically.
Languages offered
DKT online is offered in English, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean. DKT in person adds even more options at the service centre: Greek, Turkish, Croatian and Serbian on top of the online list, and an interpreter can be arranged for other languages. Portuguese is not one of the test's own languages, which is exactly why understanding the actual rules in Portuguese, not just memorising English test answers, matters so much.
If you fail
For DKT online, if you fail the final test you can retake it after a 12 hour wait. For DKT in person, the official pages do not publish a specific cooldown period, ask the service centre directly when you book. Either way, once you pass and apply for your licence in person, you will also do an eyesight test and get your photo taken, and you get a receipt valid for 2 months while your physical licence card is mailed to you.
Use KangaLearner's NSW practice questions and mock test to prepare for the actual content, whichever format you choose to sit it in.
Official source: Service NSW, Driver Knowledge Test