How Does Queensland’s New PrepL Test Work?

Before you can get behind the wheel, you’ll have to get in front of a screen.

The traditional multiple choice paper test that Queenslanders have been required to complete to get their learner driver permits has been replaced with a new, and far more comprehensive, online learning and assessment program.

PrepL, developed by Brisbane technology company Croomo, is an interactive test that requires students to tackle over 380 questions, challenges and activities.

While this sounds a lot more punishing than the 30 multiple choice questions on the old-school paper test, it’s also a lot more convenient. Whereas the traditional exam had to be undertaken within a set amount of time at a transport and motoring customer service centre, the PrepL program can be completed anywhere, anytime, at the learner’s own pace on their phone, tablet or computer.

Rather than just testing learners’ knowledge of road rules, PrepL is designed to ensure that learners understand why the rules exist, with a particular emphasis on the ‘fatal five’ road behaviours — speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt, driving while fatigued, driving while distracted, and driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

It’s estimated that learners will need to put aside somewhere between four to six hours to complete the program. If that sounds like a major time commitment, don’t worry — you can put it down and pick it up where you left off whenever you like, as long as you complete the entire course within 12 months of the date of your enrolment.

The immersive experience places learners in simulated driving experiences that require them to identify and respond correctly to driving hazards. You’ll also watch video interviews with real families and emergency service workers who have been impacted by deadly car accidents, and see demonstrations of how drinking and texting impair your driving. Completing these learning modules will unlock the embedded assessment components.

The videos, activities and interactive scenarios are divided into three sections focusing on your driving attitude; signs and rules; and learning to share the road with others. Once you complete all three sections, you’ll unlock the final assessment, which consists of 30 questions — just like the old paper test.

Make sure you pay attention to the lessons and don’t rush through the course, because — just like the paper test — you’ll need to score at least 90 per cent on the final assessment to unlock your learners permit.

If you do fail, don’t be too discouraged — you can take the test multiple times, but you’ll need to wait 24 hours between attempts. You can also attempt the test as many times as you need to without having to pay for it again; you’ll only have to pay the $24.75 enrolment fee once to gain access to the course for 12 months.

Oh, and if being able to complete the course anywhere on any device is tempting you to recruit a friend to do it for you, think again. If someone else is caught completing the course for you, you can be fined more than $5,200 and banned from re-enrolling for 6 months.

While it sounds like a bit more work than the old test, it looks like you’ll get much more out of the immersive PrepL experience than you ever could out of a simple multiple-choice exam — and at the end of the day, that will make you a better, safer and more aware driver!

To enrol in PrepL, you must live in Queensland and be at least 15 years and 11 months old. Visit https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/getting/learner/prepl/how-to-enrol-in-prepl to start your journey today!