The hazard perception test can be a daunting part of learning to drive. But what is the hazard perception test and how can you prepare for it?
The Hazard Perception Test is a very important step in your journey to obtain your full driver’s license. It is a measure of how alert you are to your surroundings; after all, a more conscientious driver is much less likely to have an accident.
For some beginning drivers, the hazard perception test can be quite daunting, but at its core it’s quite simple: View a series of video clips showing different everyday driving scenes and point out any potential hazards (usually by clicking the mouse button on the computer) it detects.
You’ll have 14 clips to watch, and you’ll get up to five points for each hazard you identify. Because a clip will have two hazards, that means there are 75 points up for grabs on the hazard perception test. As long as you get 44 points or more, you will pass the exam (although remember that you must also pass the multiple choice quiz separately to pass the theory exam).
To help you prepare for your next test, read on for our tips and FAQs on how to pass your hazard perception test with flying colors.
It goes without saying, but knowing what a hazard is will help you a lot when taking the Hazard Perception Test, as knowing what to look out for is the biggest part of the battle.
In the hazard perception test, you will be asked to identify what is known as a “developing hazard.” In simple terms, this is essentially a hazard that will require you to slow down, stop, or move out of the way.
For example, a car parked on the side of the road is not a developing hazard. However, if the indicator light starts flashing and the car starts to pull away, it would be a developing hazard as you would have to slow down to avoid a collision with it.
As with the multiple choice quiz portion of the theory test, you can also get an idea of what the hazard perception test will be like before you take it. The DVSA has its own Service that allows you to practice simulated hazard perception test videos, and there are other websites that also allow you to practice simulated tests.
While they won’t necessarily contain the same scenarios that will appear on the Hazard Perception Test when you take it, they will give you an idea of what to look for and help hone your awareness skills. These mock tests also help him become familiar with how the test works, so he will feel more comfortable and calm when he takes it seriously.
While the hazard perception test consists entirely of videos, that doesn’t mean you always have to be in front of a screen when preparing for the actual test. You can also keep an eye out for hazards when you’re on the road, whether you’re driving or a passenger.
The hazards you will encounter, if any, will vary depending on traffic levels and the behavior of other road users; in some cases, you may not see any. However, you can get him used to being aware of his surroundings and developing situations. Not only will this put you in a good position for the hazard perception test, but it will also benefit you when you finally get your full license.
When you’re taking your Hazard Awareness test, it can be tempting to just click on everything that may or may not become an obstruction that you’ll need to avoid. However, the DVSA has thought about it and has implemented measures to prevent it from trying to beat the system.
For example, if you click too many times, you’ll automatically fail that part of the test and get zero points, making it even more difficult for you to pass the Hazard Perception Test and, by extension, the Theory Test. Similarly, clicking on a regular pattern will also result in zero points for that particular clip.
While a traffic sign in a hazard perception test video is not guaranteed to provide a preview of an upcoming hazard, paying attention to them can help. For example, if there is a sign for an upcoming junction or roundabout, keep an eye out for it, as the hazard in the clip could be an oncoming vehicle. Likewise, be on the lookout for pedestrians if you see signs of an upcoming zebra crossing.
Of the 14 videos you will see on your Hazard Perception Test, 13 of them will only have one hazard. However, one will have two hazards for you to identify, meaning you can earn up to 10 points for this clip instead of the usual five.
There will also be no advance warning when this two-hazard video plays, so be sure to keep an eye out for hazards in all clips when taking the full test.
The Hazard Perception Test works by asking you to identify a developing hazard in a short video. Multiple videos make up the hazard perception test, and you’ll score higher if you can correctly point out a developing hazard sooner rather than later.
In total, there will be 14 short videos in the hazard perception test. 13 of them will have one hazard, while one of the clips will contain two hazards for you to point out.
To pass the hazard perception test, you must score 44 points or higher. There is a maximum of 75 possible points to earn on the Hazard Perception test.
The exact length of the test will depend on the length of the clips on which it will be tested. However, in general, it should not take more than 20 minutes to complete the hazard perception test.
You can click as many times as you like in the hazard perception test, although clicking too often is not recommended. This is because the system may register your repeated clicks as a cheat attempt, which will result in you not getting any points for that particular clip.
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