Hazard Perception Test Tips
Hazard perception plays a significant role in driver safety, being fully aware of the potential dangers on the road is crucial when it comes to preventing minor, fatal or near fatal accidents. In 2002 the video-based Hazard Perception Test became a vital part of the official Driver Theory Test.
The videos present a series of real-life video situations, identifying the potential hazards correctly will determine whether you pass or fail the test. Therefore, it is vital that you adequately prepare for the hazard perception section of your theory test.
Here are some crucial hazard perception test tips for anyone who plans to take and pass their driving theory test.
How the Hazard Perception Test Works
The driver theory test is followed by the hazard perception test, the exam consists of 14 questions with a total of 75 marks. If you pass the multiple-choice test and fail the hazard perception, you will have to retake the test in its entirety. Therefore, it is vital that you pass the hazard perception test as well as the driver theory test. To pass you need to get a minimum of 44 marks.
Here are some of the things you need to think about when studying for your hazard perception test:
Studying for the Test
Spend an adequate amount of time studying for the test prior to taking it. You can find plenty of literature and practice test resources available online, also some local libraries offer test practice free of charge. Check with your driving school to find out about free practice test sessions. The key to passing your hazard perception test is to practice, practice and practice some more.
One of the most important things to remember is that the hazard perception test is about identifying key hazardous situations, therefore, fast reflexes and a keen eye for detail are essential.
Practising for at least 30 or 40 minutes a day will help you develop these crucial skills. Passing or failing is based on the time it takes for you to react to the potential hazard, so it is extremely important for you to develop strong concentration skills in order to pass the hazard perception test.
Taking the Test Top Tips
- Know what to expect by practising as much as possible, you can purchase official learning material from the DVSA.
- Do not click the hazard too much, click the mouse or touch the screen straight away when you see the hazard.
- Do not wait too long to click the hazard. The whole point of the hazard perception test is to test how quickly you can identify and avoid potential hazards. Do not wait until the potential hazard turns into a full-blown hazard. Click as soon as you see a hazard developing.
- Understand and know the 8 examples of developing hazards(find out more information about this from your driving school or online)
Format of the hazard perception test
- You will be shown 14 clips, the clips last for 60 seconds each
- 13 out of the 14 clips contain one developing hazard, the other clip will have two developing hazards
- As soon as you identify a developing hazard you need to click the mouse or touch the screen. Hazards include, pedestrians about to cross the road, cars parked wrongly, children playing close to the road etc
- You get one chance to answer each question, to receive the maximum number of marks, you need to click the hazard as soon as you see it.
- You will receive 5 five points for identifying each developing hazard
- You are working against the clock, identify the hazard quickly enough and you will receive top marks. You receive less marks if you take too long to click the hazardYou will not lose points for getting a question wrong but clicking the hazard too many times will mean that you lose points for that particular question.
More Hazard Perception Test Tips
8 Developing Hazards To Look Out For
1. Emergency Vehicles
If an emergency vehicle such as a police car or ambulance is approaching, you might have to pull over to give the emergency vehicle room to get through.
2. Sudden Braking
When driving on a road with reduced traffic, brake lights of a vehicle in front of you might come on suddenly. This would require you to slow down to prevent an accident.
3. Parked Vehicles
Parked vehicles can often pose as potential hazards. You might turn a corner and see several parked cars on one side of the road. A potential hazard in this video clip could be a pedestrian suddenly emerging from between two parked cars to cross the road. As soon as you see parked vehicles on one side of the road in a video clip, click the mouse or touch the screen to identify the potential hazard.
4. Children Playing
Children playing could suddenly run out into the road when you least expect it. Therefore, it is vital that you are aware of the potential hazard here and click as soon as you see children playing.
5. Cyclists
Cyclists present potential hazards because they often emerge from unexpected places. Therefore, as soon as you see a cyclist on the road, click the mouse or touch the screen.
6. Roadworks
Roadworks often cause road closures or uneven road surfaces. Therefore, it is necessary to be mindful
7. Poor Visibility and Bad Weather Conditions
Wet, icy and foggy weather conditions could present potential hazards because fog and cloudy skies make it difficult to see clearly when driving. Wet and icy roads make driving challenging therefore, it is important to remain vigilant when driving in these conditions.
8. Traffic Restrictions
Speed limits and other traffic restrictions should be observed therefore, when you see stop signs or speed limit signs, pay attention and click the mouse or touch the screen.
Use these hazard perception test tips in conjunction with the information provided by your driving school and the DVSA to give yourself the best chance of passing your hazard perception test first time.
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