What is the Hazard
Perception Test
The hazard perception element of the New Theory Test was introduced by
the The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) on 14th November 2002.
This new test will be taken at the same time as the theory test and will
take about an extra 15 minutes. The object is to identify up to 15
hazards as quickly as possible from 14 video clips, and you will have to
pass this before being let loose on the practical test.
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our own Hazard Perception Test
FAQ
Hazard Perception Test
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Why the need for the hazard perception test?
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.
Young drivers have quicker reactions than older drivers. 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.
New drivers take much longer (up to two seconds longer) to recognise
hazardous situations than more experienced drivers.
How will the hazard perception test work?
The electronic test is taken in front of a normal computer monitor.
There are no pedals or steering wheel, just a mouse. The
"driver" watches a series of video clips, each about a minute
long, filmed on all sorts of roads, from country lanes to suburban high
streets to motorways. Each clip will contain one or more developing
hazards. Candidates need to click the mouse button as soon as they see a
hazard.
You 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.
There will be 14 different moving scenes on the Hazard Perception
test screen. The scenes will have one or two hazards to identify. The 14
scenes will be taken from a bank of 200.
You will have to identify the moving hazard by clicking a mouse. For
example, a car pulling out in front of you, as quickly as possible. You
will be given a 'window of time' in which to spot the hazard. The score
will depend on how soon you identify the hazard - the longer they take,
the lower their score. You will score a zero mark if you either click
too late, or repeatedly.
Some recent press reports have compared the test to a video game. DSA
feels this is inaccurate and misleading. All the clips are real life
video film to make the test experience as realistic as possible. Virtual
reality enhancement was not used. The test will not require computer
literacy. The reference to a video game might unnecessarily worry people
unfamiliar with computers.
The 'touchscreen' system has been carefully designed to make sure it is
easy to use.
What Hazards Are We Looking For?
Look for events occurring in front of the car such as:-
 | School crossing and bus waiting with children crossing road
| Breakdown vehicle on bend
| Vans parked with hazard warning lights on
| Cyclist on country road
| Vehicle doing U turn on brow of hill
| Furniture vans parked on bend (door open) with oncoming traffic
| Green traffic light turns on approach
| Parked vehicles/road works |
| | | | | | |
Look for something joining the 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 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Look for event occurring in the opposite traffic such as:-
| Vehicle turning right across traffic
| Car stopping in road to collect passenger
| Parked car and oncoming car |
| |
DSA LAUNCH ROADSENSE
The Driving Standards Agency has launched its official guide to hazard
perception for use by driving instructors. The package will support ADI-led
training for learner drivers as they prepare for the new theory test.
Called RoadSense, the modular, multi-media package consists of a
video, pupils' booklet, tutor guide and handouts.
It has been developed from the hugely successful material DSA produced
for the Transport Research Laboratory study into hazard perception
training.
Buy Roadsense: the Official Guide to Hazard Perception for All
Drivers and Riders
This guide has been developed to help candidates prepare for the
introduction of the new driving theory test that will incorporate the
"hazard perception" element from 14th November 2002
Our Price: £12.99
A Visit to the Trials of the Hazard Perception Test more
Software to help you 2pass the Hazard Perception Test here
richard@excelsom.co.uk
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