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INTRODUCTION OF THE HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST

The new hazard perception test is being incorporated into the current driving theory examination from 14 November 2002. The new hazard perception test will form part of the current screen based theory test and will take approx. 15 minutes extra.

This page answers the questions we are most frequently asked concerning the introduction of the Hazard Perception test.

What is hazard perception?

Hazard Perception is the driving ability and skill to detect situations as early as possible and take appropriate avoiding action if necessary, e.g. changing speed or direction. This involves techniques such as ...

	Constantly scanning the whole area around you
	Selecting a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles
	Using an appropriate speed for your current situation
	Planning well ahead
	Anticipating developing situations

Why is hazard perception important?

Every year approximately 3,600 people are killed on our roads. Young drivers make up only a small percentage of the driving population but are involved in up to one in seven accidents causing injury. The government believes that introducing the Hazard Perception test could dramatically reduce these figures.

A more experienced driver is much more likely to anticipate hazards than a newly qualified one, in fact it often takes up to two seconds longer for a new driver to recognise a hazardous situation. Currently, many driving test candidates demonstate poor scanning and anticipation skills, which are vitally important requirements for safe driving.

Introducing a test which monitors these specific areas more closely should ensure that driver training is even more effective in producing safe drivers.

How will the test be taken?

The hazard perception test will form part of the current screen based theory test and will take approximately 15 minutes extra. Failure to pass either the existing multiple-choice section or the hazard perception test will result in failure of the whole test.
It is hoped that by taking the hazard perception test at the same time as the theory test, candidates will be able to relate the skills they develop whilst preparing for the test to the practical experience gained during their driving lessons and practice.

How will the test work?

Candidates will be shown a number of video clips filmed from a car. Each clip will contain one or more developing hazards. Each candidate will be tested on 14 film clips chosen at random from a series of two hundred.
Candidates will be asked to indicate as soon as they see a hazard developing which may need the driver to take appropriate action e.g. changing speed, changing direction.
Candidates will be marked on their responses -
the sooner a response is made, the higher the score.

What training will be available?

Driving instructors will be able to teach their pupils all of the skills and techniques required to pass the hazard perception test. They may also have various training aids which pupils may use or borrow. Talk to your driving instructor about the options available before taking the test.

The Driving Standards Agency website - www.dsa.gov.uk contains further information on this subject ...

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