The Hazard Perception Test

As part of your Theory Test, you will now need to undertake a Hazard Perception Test, this is aimed at testing your reaction time and awareness of the situations you may be faced with when driving.

The Hazard Perception Test is a computer based system which will give you a number of different video scenarios. Each scenario is designed to target something different and to ensure you are alert for any eventuality.

You are required to watch the video and as soon as you see a hazard developing click the mouse button as soon as possible, however don’t just click time after time hoping to catch the hazard as this will only move you onto the next video clip. The maximum score you can obtain from each video is 5 points, you will score lower points if you are slower or miss the hazard altogether.

You will need to achieve a score of at 44 out of a possible 75 to ensure you pass the test, at the end of the test you will be given your results so there is no waiting and you will hopefully find out you have passed your test without any delays.

What to Expect

The Hazard Perception Test commences giving you plenty of time to get ready for the clip to begin. The screen will show a countdown from 10 so you know exactly when the slip starts. As soon as you see a hazard and have clicked the mouse a red flag will appear on the screen indicating that it has registered your click.

In total there are 14 different video clips, each video clip will pose a specific hazard, however one of the clips will feature 2 hazards so be alert! Before you begin the Hazard Perception test you have the chance to watch a short video which gives you an example of what you need to do. It is important to take the time to watch the video and ask if you have any questions or concerns before your test starts.

It is important to respond to the hazard as soon as you believe a hazard is developing and not before. For example a child walking down a pavement holding his mothers hand well away from the road is not a hazard, however if the child breaks free and moves towards the road, or if they kick a ball and it heads to the road then that would be a clear hazard and you will need to click to acknowledge you have seen it.

A few things to look out for are:

* Pedestrians

* Cyclists

* Animals

* Stationary and Indicating vehicles

* Junctions, Hidden Turns and roundabouts

* Weather Conditions and Road Surfaces

* Vehicles on your side of the road or causing an obstruction.

In general just be alert, look at the side of the roads and take in what is around you. Additionally keep an eye out for the other traffic that is on the road and see as the hazard may be another drives actions.

The test is not there to catch you out, it is simply there to make sure you can highlight the hazards you may one day encounter. If you have done your revision and are prepared you should have no problems in passing.