What is the Hazard Perception Test

What is the Hazard Perception Test
By Tommy Connolly

The Hazard perception test is an electronic test taken on a computer. It doesn't use pedals or steering wheels, just the mouse is needed for the test. You will watch a series of video clips each lasting around a minute. The video clips include footage from all sorts of roads, from country lanes to suburban high streets to motorways. Each of the clips contain one or more developing hazards. As soon as you see a hazard click the mouse button, and the sooner you see a hazard the more points you will get. After you have recognized the hazard you may be required to take some action, like changing speed or direction.

After the driving theory test you have the option of a 3 minute break, and then you are shown a short tutorial video clip about how the test works. This part of the test is also taken on a computer, but you respond by clicking the mouse. The test consists of 14 short video clips lasting roughly a minute long, which feature everyday road scenes. In each of the clips there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.

In the test you will have fourteen different hazard scenarios. In each of the different scenarios you will have to identify one or two different hazards. The 14 scenes are taken from a bank of around 200. An example of a hazard would be a car pulling out in front of you, as quickly as possible. When you do each scene there will be a window of time in which to spot the hazard, you get scored on how quickly you identify the hazard, the longer you take, the lower you score will be. Zero points will be awarded if you click too late or repeatedly.

The quicker you respond to the developing hazards the higher your score will be. The maximum marks for each hazard is 5. Unlike the theory test you are not able to review your answers, there is only one chance.

The pass mark for the hazard perception test is 44 out of 75. If you fail either section of the test, the theory of the hazard perception, then you will have t retake both of the exams when you resit and pay the fee all over again. So make sure you are very prepared.

Hazards to be aware of:

Events that may happen in front of the car such as;

• Breakdown vehicle on bend
• Furniture vans parked on bend (door open) with oncoming traffic.
• Cyclist on country road
• Vans parked with hazard warning lights on
• School crossing and bus waiting with children crossing road
• Parked vehicles/road works
• Vehicle doing U turn on brow of hill
• Green traffic light turns on approach

Something that might be joining you car's path such as;

• Car emerging from left
• Stray dog by kerb
• Zebra crossing with pedestrians crossing
• Vehicle emerges from left in road dip
• Pedestrian trying to cross road
• Car looking as though it may join traffic from right
• Woman with pushchair ready to cross road
• Blind man with dog by kerb
• Vehicle edging out of side road from right
• Zebra crossing with pedestrian crossing
• Bus pulling out
• Car late stopping at left hand junction

Events that may occur in opposite traffic such as;

• Vehicle turning right across traffic
• Car stopping in road to collect passenger
• Parked car and oncoming car

For more driving tips and info visit DRIVINGwise

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