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Hazard Perception Test

The hazard perception test is the second part of the three-part driving test, and every learner driver must take and pass this before moving on to part 3, the practical driving test.

During the hazard perception test, the learner driver will be shown a series of video clips and will have to identify potential hazards positively - and quickly. The pass mark required for a successful pass in this part of the test is forty-four correct answers out of a possible seventy-five.

The aim of the hazard perception test is to find out whether the learner driver can accurately identify, and avoid, a series of potential accidents.

Hazards to Look Out For

During the test, you will be shown fourteen clips of video footage out of a total of two hundred. Each of the video clips will contain at least one potential hazard and in some instances two. You will always have a minimum of one hazard to spot and accurately select.

These hazards could include some of the following:

  • A bus pulling out
  • A child stepping into the road between parked cars
  • Woman with pram making her way to the kerbside
  • Vehicles turning into oncoming traffic
  • Vehicles doing U-turns in the road
  • Cyclists performing dangerous manoeuvres in the road
  • Vehicles failing to signal

The list is a long one and there is no guarantee that any of the above will show up during your test but we've listed them here as examples of the sorts of hazards that have been displayed in the past.

How the Hazard Perception Test is Taken

The Hazard Perception Test is taken as part 2 of your driving test; part 1 is the multiple-choice Theory Test and part 3 is the Practical Test.

Part 1 and Part 2 must both be passed - in order to achieve an overall theory test pass mark.

You will be required to use a mouse and to click upon the hazards before they happen. The faster you identify and click on the hazard the higher the points score you will achieve. Each hazard has a time scale attached to it and the faster you spot the hazard the higher the mark out of five you will score.

If you fail to identify a hazard in time or click on the same hazard more than once during the clips' duration then a zero mark is awarded.

It is important where possible that you practise as much as you can for this part of the test as - unlike part one which affords you the option of reviewing your answers before the time is up - this part of the test is no longer accessible once the time is up.

Prior to the start of the test, there is a short film on how it works; it is advisable that you take the time to watch this and follow the instructions given.

Your driving instructor should be able to provide you with a copy of practice theory tests as part of your lesson fees or you can software (or mobile APP) of both tests yourself from many good high street stockists. You will find most bookshops stocking the theory test discs and guides.

In addition, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has practice theory tests (but not the hazard perception test as yet) that you can try for free online.

 


Disclaimer: The information in the article is for general purpose information only and should not be constituted as legal advice. This article has been produced by a third party and Jardine Motors does not take any responsibility for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability with respect to the website or the information provided. Article last updated March 2016.