Hazard Perception

Naturally, you'll want to know as much about the Hazard Perception part of the Theory Test as possible, to help you when it comes to that part of the test. There are lots of resources available to prepare you for this part of the Theory Test, such as mock tests - these are available from the DSA Official Bookstore.

However, the most important preparation will take place every time you are in the car learning with your instructor, as real driving experience plays a key role. Below we have answered some common questions about the Hazard Perception part of the Theory Test.

What is hazard perception?

Hazard perception is the ability of a driver to identify situations at the earliest possible opportunity that might require them as a driver to take some form of avoiding action such as changing speed or direction. This involves techniques such as scanning, selecting a safe separation distance, using an appropriate speed, planning well ahead, and having good anticipation.

Why is hazard perception so important?

Each year 3,600 people are killed on Britain's roads. Improved hazard perception skills are expected to play an important part in achieving the Government's challenging casualty reduction targets.

Young drivers (17-21) make up only 7% of all licence holders yet they are involved in up to one in seven accidents involving injury. The accident liability of new drivers drops sharply over the first 12 months or so after passing the test and continues to fall as more experience is gained. New drivers take much longer (up to two seconds longer) to recognise hazardous situations than more experienced drivers.

Many test candidates demonstrate poor scanning and anticipation skills that are seen as vital in driving safely. By establishing a process for testing these areas it should be possible to ensure that they are covered more thoroughly during driver training.

Research has shown that performance in tests of hazard perception improves as experience is gained. Experienced drivers perform better than new drivers, who in turn perform better than learner drivers.

Drivers who have had an accident in recent years also perform less well than those who have not had an accident. Research has also shown that after three hours of special training, new drivers could achieve an average score that equalled that of experienced drivers.

Do young drivers have quicker reactions than older drivers?

Yes, they do. However, the more experienced driver scans the road better and recognises the clues that show a hazardous situation is developing much earlier and therefore starts to take action before the danger occurs. This is one of the reasons why accident involvement generally reduces as experience is gained.

How will the test work?

Candidates will be shown a number of moving video clips filmed from a car. Each clip will contain one or more developing hazards. The candidate will be asked to indicate as soon as they see a hazard developing which may result in the driver taking some action, such as changing speed or direction. The sooner a response is made the higher the score.

The competences necessary to be proficient in hazard perception are:

	The correct use of speed;
	Selection of an appropriate separation distance;
	The ability to scan effectively, and to anticipate and plan for hazardous situations.

All these skills will be taught effectively by your Right Direction driving instructor.