Wednesday, November 4, 2009

DSA driving theory test for car and bike learner drivers – hazard perception test part

Why hazard perception test was introduced?

New drivers are disproportionately involved in accidents, especially in the first months after passing a driving test. It has been proven that drivers who have taken hazard perception test training have much better hazard perception skills.

About hazard perception test –

The hazard perception test is an online computer-based test, which measures a driver's ability to anticipate and appropriately respond to potentially dangerous situations while driving.

In hazard perception test, you will see video clips of genuine, traffic scenes filmed from the driver's perspective. When you watch the clips, you need to imagine that you are the driver.

In each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.

You will need to watch the clip carefully and try to predict the traffic hazard as early as you can. As soon as you predict that a traffic hazard is likely to happen, you need to respond straight away. A traffic hazard is something that would require the driver to take some action, for example: slow down, overtake or change course.
The hazard perception test is designed to get the candidate to identify 'Developing Hazards' rather the potential hazards.

E.g School sign is not a developing hazard, but if you see school children about to cross the road, then it becomes a developing hazard and needs to be identified.

While appearing for the hazard perception test, watch out for following hazards, as these are the likely situations where developing hazard may turn in to actual hazard
  • pedestrians or cyclists crossing the road
  • vehicles emerging from side roads, parking places or driveways
  • large vehicles moving over to your side of the road
  • meeting oncoming vehicles on narrow roads or where other obstructions or slow moving
  • vehicles make the road narrow
  • loose pets and farmyard animals
  • Changes in the traffic movement and volume
  • junctions and roundabouts
  • horse riders
  • weather conditions of the day

How to score in hazard perception test –


Each scoring window is divided into five equal segments and a score of five through to one allocated to each. Those responding in the first segment of the scoring window will score 5 and those in last segment a score of 1. Responses outside the window will score zero.

Scoring in hazard perception test is not difficult at all.
But you need to understand the test and practice variety of clips.

You can practice over 70 interactive hazard perception clips on our website.
Visit our website for detailed information on how to pass in hazard perception part of the test. We have graphical illustrations of the scoring windows on our website.
You can access entire DSA theory test question bank with interactive hazard perception clips for just £1.99