Learning to drive involves both getting behind the wheel and understanding how to safely act on the roads – however, this test is vital for the safety of yourself, your passengers, and all other road users.
This guide will give you a range of helpful tips to help you pass your driving test and get a greater understanding on what to expect with your upcoming hazard perception test.
What is the hazard perception test?
The hazard perception test is an important part of the driving test in the UK – and in many countries around the world.
It is designed to assess a driver's ability to identify and react to potential hazards on the road and its surroundings.
This can include other vehicles, roadworks, cyclists, pedestrians, animals, road conditions, weather, and so much more.
Anticipation of what is ahead of you is essential for all drivers in order to keep everyone safe – and this is why passing your hazard perception test is integral to having roadworthy drivers.
Drivers must be able to recognize and react to danger quickly as this can help to avoid an accident or other dangerous situation.
How does the hazard perception test work?
When taking the test, you will be presented with 14 video clips, each of which lasts around one minute.
In each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two hazards.
You need to click the mouse when you spot a hazard developing, such as a cyclist, pedestrian, or vehicle coming into view.
The aim of the test is to help learners identify potential hazards on the roads and react quickly and appropriately. It is important for all drivers to be aware of the risks posed by other road users and be prepared to respond accordingly.
Passing the hazard perception test is an essential part of becoming a safe and responsible driver.
Below is an official example of a hazard perception test from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Tips for the hazard perception test
Passing the hazard perception test is an important part of the driving test. It tests your ability to anticipate and respond to potential hazards while driving.
Here are some helpful tips to help you pass.
- Watch for indicators of potential hazards: Keep an eye out for signs that could indicate a potential danger ahead. This may include a bend in the road, traffic, traffic lights, cyclists, other vehicles, pedestrians crossing the street, or a vehicle ahead of you that is slowing down. Roadworks and other road signs may also indicate that something will be happening on the road ahead.
- Road signs: Always be on the lookout for any signage as there can signify a potentia lhazard or reason to change speed or direction.
- Stay alert: Make sure you stay alert and focused on the road at all times. Don’t let yourself get distracted by your surroundings. You will not be able to replay any videos, as this simulates what you would face on the roads.
- Use points of reference where hazards could potentially appear: Look at upcoming changes in the road and anyone or anything that could impede with your line of sight of ability to drive. When you are practicing or sitting in the passenger seat, call these out to either your instructor or whoever is driving to get used to these potential dangers.
- Be prepared to react: Be prepared to react quickly if you see a potential hazard. It’s important to be able to anticipate the actions of other drivers and react accordingly. This means being poised to react. Don’t sit back and relax. This will only last for 14 to 20 minutes and is integral to gaining a full licence.
- Don't click too often: You will end up failing as the computer will not know when you actually see a hazard.
- Would you need to change direction?: This can also show a potential hazard to a driver.
- Practice: The best way to prepare for the hazard perception test is to practice.
By following these tips, you should be able to pass the hazard perception test.
How to pass the hazard perception test
To pass the hazard perception test, must score at least 44 points out of 75.
When you face the hazard perception test, you will be shown 14 1-minute long videos. All learners that take the test will be shown a video clip beforehand, explaining how the process works.
The test will make sure you can spot a ‘developing hazard’. According to the DVSA, this is ‘something that would cause you to take action, like changing speed or direction’.
Before starting, you will need to be aware that you cannot pause or restart any of the videos – this is to simulate the importance of awareness when you are actually behind the wheel.
Be aware that constantly clicking, or in a rhythm will disqualify you and you will fail the exam. Also, only clicking once might indicate that you have not seen any potential hazards in the video clip.
You will not lose points for clicking at the wrong time, or getting it wrong.
Practice for the hazard perception test
Before anyone attempts the real hazard perception test, it is important to practice.
There are many websites and tools that learner drivers can take advantage of to be prepared for the real thing.
As for apps, Driving Theory Test UK is a great place to start, with all necessary learning materials, hazard perception clips and Highway Code info included.
It can give you the confidence you need to succeed as well as providing helpful advice for the other parts of the driving test.
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