Hazard Perception FAQs

Does the Hazard Perception really help in real life?

Real-life situations are the best and most realistic way to learn how to spot potential and developing hazards, but of course, the Hazard Perception Test gives you a safe environment in which to practise and build your skills in this area. The increased awareness of the potential and developing hazards you’ll gain from doing the mock tests and the real test will feed into your real-world driving and make you a better, more aware, and above all safer driver, both for your own sake and for the sake of other people. You’ll probably also learn to recognise some potential and developing hazards you hadn’t even considered.

There is no choice about whether to take the Hazard Perception Test, so the best way to approach it is with a positive attitude and be determined to learn from it. Lives may depend on it, and a new driver with the overconfidence to think they are good enough without it is a danger both to themselves and others.

How long is the hazard perception test?

The hazard perception test and multiple choice test are done at the same time and the test lasts approximately one hour.

What is the Hazard Perception Test?

The Hazard Perception Test is part of the United Kingdom driving test. It was introduced in 2002  with live-action videos and then updated in 2015 with computer-generated clips. The test is intended to check your ability to detect “developing hazards” that might need you to take action. The Hazard Perception Test is part of the theory test and comes straight after the multiple-choice questions. Learner drivers can sit the test from age 17; those on the higher rate component of Disability Living Allowance may take the test at 16.

What is a Developing Hazard?

For the purposes of the test, a developing hazard is a situation that requires a driver to react by changing direction and or speed, including stopping. Developing hazards include but are not limited to pedestrians crossing the road, cars entering traffic from another road, cyclists sharing the lane whilst negotiating other cars, and vehicles in front stopping suddenly.

Can you give me an example of a developing hazard for the Hazard perception test?

A car is stationary at the side of the road, and none of its lights is lit. It wouldn’t cause you to take action, so it’s a potential hazard, not a developing hazard. However, as you approach, the car’s right-hand indicator starts to flash and it starts to move away. It’s now a developing hazard: if you don’t slow down you would hit it.

What do I do in a Hazard Perception Test?

The test consists of video clips containing one hazard, apart from one clip that contains two. You watch the video clip and click the mouse to flag an incident as you see it develop. On the clip with two incidents, you must flag both. Each hazard is worth up to five points depending on how fast you flag it. You can’t lose points. Each of the 14 clips plays once during the test and you cannot review the clip or change your responses.

When each clip ends, the screen turns black for a few seconds before the freeze frame for the next video clip appears. You will then get a countdown before it starts to make sure you are ready. This pattern repeats until all 14 video clips have played.

The earlier you notice and respond to a developing hazard, the higher your score. However, if you flag a hazard as you see it develop, but do so before the scoring period as defined by the test’s designers has opened, you will score zero points for that instance. You will also get zero scores for multiple clicks or clicking in a pattern, as it suggests you haven’t really spotted the hazard and are hedging your bets.

What happens after you complete your hazard perception test?

After completing the test, you will receive a paper printout showing grades for both the multiple-choice questions and the hazard perception test. You must pass both tests to continue to the practical test; if you fail either part you have to take both parts again.

The pass mark is 44 of 75 for car drivers, 57 out of 75 for approved driving instructors, and 67 out of 100 for lorry drivers.

How can I increase my chances of passing the Hazard perception test?

Download the official DVSA app, understand how the Hazard Perception score works, and revise as much as possible leading up to your test. Use the official style mock test on our website. When you’re in a vehicle, whether as a driver or a passenger, practise looking out for potential hazards in real life – after all, this is what you will be doing once you have passed your driving test.

Remember that you need to pass both tests (theory and Hazard Perception) before you can move into the practical driving test.

Where can I find the official DVSA hazard perception test guide video?

You can find it at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Youtube channel.This is the link to watch the video.

What is the latest Theory Test pass rate?

It’s 45.8% for men and 49.7% for women, according to DVSA national figures from the statistics in December 2019. The following points should be noted about operational statistics and the next update is due to be published in March 2020.

What happens if you fail the Hazard Perception Test?

You’ll get a letter from the test centre. It’ll tell you which parts you didn’t score enough points on so you know what to practise. You must book and take the full test again, even if you passed

We hope this guide has answered your questions and helped you feel more prepared. Use the official app and the mock test; practise and practise; look for potential and developing hazards when you’re out and about as a driver, passenger or pedestrian. All of this will make you more confident – not just at passing the Hazard Perception Test, but also at driving itself, which is what it’s really all about.

Free Hazard Perception Clips

Find below 8 Driving Hazard Perception Clips for you to practice.

Last updated: 09/12/2021

Call Now Button