Hazard Perception Test

In 2002, the Driving Standards Agency introduced a new element to the theory test to assess candidates' reactions to developing hazards. After you have completed the multiple choice theory part of the test, you'll be allowed a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception section begins.

To begin with, you'll be shown a tutorial video that explains what you need to do for the test; this uses sample footage with a commentary soundtrack, which you'll be able to hear through a set of headphones. Once this tutorial has finished, you'll be given the chance to watch it a second and final time if needed.

The hazard perception test consists of 14 video clips that feature every day road scenes, each lasting about one minute. Each clip shows a developing hazard that you are required to spot, although one of the clips will feature 2 developing hazards (you will not be told which clip this is). You will therefore be required to spot a total of 15 hazards in 14 video clips. As soon as you see a hazard developing that may result in the driver having to take some action, such as changing direction or speed, you should respond by clicking a mouse button. The earlier you spot the hazard and make a response, the higher your score will be. If you click the mouse as soon as you see the hazard developing you will get the maximum of 5 points for that hazard. You will score a mark of 0 if you either click too late, or repeatedly.

You will not be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you will only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard. Some typical hazards to watch out for include:

• Events occurring in the opposite traffic
  • Car stopping in the road to collect passengers
  • Oncoming car approaching a parked car
  • Vehicle turning right across traffic
• Events occurring in front of the car
  • Breakdown vehicle on bend
  • Cyclist on country road
  • Furniture van parked on a bend (door open) with oncoming traffic
  • Parked vehicles
  • Road works
  • School crossing and bus waiting with children crossing road
  • Vans parked with hazard warning lights on
  • Vehicle doing a U turn on brow of hill
• Hazards joining the car's path
  • Blind man with dog by kerb
  • Bus pulling out
  • Car emerging from the left
  • Car looking as though it may join traffic from the right
  • Pedestrian trying to cross the road
  • Stray dog by the kerb
  • Vehicle edging out of a side road from the right
  • Vehicle emerging from the left in a road dip
  • Woman with a pushchair ready to cross the road
  • Zebra crossing with pedestrians crossing

The pass mark for the hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75 for car drivers and motorcycle riders.

At the end of the hazard perception part of the theory test you will be invited to answer a number of customer survey questions. You do not have to answer the questions if you do not want to, and any information given is anonymous and confidential. The survey questions do not a...

Click here to read more from InterCars.co.uk