Hazard Perception Test Tips

The hazard perception test is the second part of your driving theory test that you will take it after completing the multiple choice section. We have the answers to some common queries about it and if you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us either via Twitter (@ContactDVLA) or Facebook. You can also email us at dvlanumber@gmail.com.

What Is The Hazard Perception Test?

The hazard perception test is the second half of your driving theory test that you need to complete. It consists of 14 1 minute long CGI videos from the point of view of a passenger car driver and shows various road conditions you could find yourself in. You have to click a mouse or touch the screen to indicate when you notice a hazard developing.

The DVSA have created a video that explains the theory test, including the hazard perception part:

Why Do I Have To Do The Hazard Perception Test?

You need to complete and pass the hazard perception part of your theory test in order to gain a pass mark.

What Is The Point Of The Hazard Perception Test?

The hazard perception test looks to test the abilities of new drivers, especially their perception of emerging, potential, developing and actual hazards.

The test was designed as newer drivers take longer to notice these sorts of dangers when compared to experienced road users. It is also thought that these factors can contribute to the likelihood of younger drivers being involved in road accidents compared to drivers who have had more practice at spotting road hazards.

How Many Hazards Are Shown?

Each of the clips will show 1 hazard that is developing and one of the clips will include 2 developing hazards. You will not be told which clip has 2 hazards in.

What Is The Pass Mark?

The test is out of 75 points and candidates have to score at least 44 points to pass.

How Does The Hazard Perception Test Work?

The hazard perception test works on a point basis. The sooner you react to the developing hazard, the more points you are awarded, with the most being 5 points and the least being 1. You can be awarded 0 points if you react too late.

You will be shown 14 video clips of various road conditions. The clips are from the point of view of a driver of a normal passenger car. When the videos are playing, you have to click to indicate that you have noticed a hazard that is developing.

What Is A “Hazard”?

A hazard is something that would cause the driver to alter their speed, direction or stop altogether.

Are There Any Penalties For Clicking Too Much?

If you constantly click, click in a pattern or repeatedly click, you will be awarded a score of zero. You will see a warning on the screen and you won’t be able to make any other clicks for

What Is Classed As Too Many Clicks?

There is no actual figure given for what is considered to be too many clicks. The best way to deal with the hazard perception test in terms of cheating and over clicking is to use common sense and only click when you are sure there is a hazard developing.

What Is A Potential Hazard?

A potential hazard is something that may or may not become a hazard. You will encounter hundreds of these on a daily basis, as it can include pedestrians, cyclists, roundabouts and traffic lights, to name a few.

A good example of a potential hazard would be seeing a ball roll out into the road in front of you, as there is a chance that a child could follow it. The ball is the potential hazard, the ball going into the road is the developing hazard and if a child followed, they would be the actual hazard.

What Is A Developing Hazard?

A developing hazard can be a range of things, from a pedestrian stepping into the road, a child disappearing between parked cars or a car leaving a driveway.

The skill of identifying a potential hazard lies in being able to look out for early warning signs and understand how these can possibly develop into a more serious hazard.

An example of this would be seeing a ball roll out into the road in front of you. There is a chance that a child could follow this. The ball is the potential hazard, the ball going into the road is the developing hazard and if a child followed, they would be the actual hazard.

As you become more able to spot developing hazards the faster you are able to react to them. This means you can avoid any unnecessary actions that may result in a serious collision.

What Is An Actual Hazard?

An actual hazard is something that cause you to stop or change course while driving. This can be due to outside factors you have no control over, such as pedestrians or could be down to you for watching something else.

If you don’t deal with an actual hazard it could result in an accident that may be serious to yourself or other people.

What Should I Look Out For When Taking The Hazard Perception Test?

When taking the hazard perception test, it is better to try and think as far ahead as you can. If you see a cyclist and think they are edging towards the middle of the road and could cut across the path of the vehicle, you should click. Its about using common sense, as a cyclist travelling normally shouldn’t give you cause for concern, although you will obviously need to be aware of them and give them the appropriate space.

Generally, if something would cause you to break or alter your driving for any reason, it can probably be identified as a hazard.

Is There A Break Between The Multiple Choice Section And The Hazard Perception Part?

You will have a 3 minute break between the multiple choice section and the hazard perception test. The best thing to do with this time is to have a quick stretch and get your focus back onto to completing the hazard perception test

How Many Hours Should I Spend Revising?

The more time you spend revising, the easier your hazard perception test will be. Some people will need to put in more hours than others; it comes down to how easily you can absorb information and notice things.

Should I Do A Mock Test?

It all depends how you prefer to revise. Generally, completing a hazard perception mock test is one of the best ways to revise, especially under exam conditions, as you are able to make mistakes and learn from them before going to complete the exam you have paid for.

However, some people can benefit more from different forms of revision, so keep this in mind.

How Much Practice Should I Do For The Hazard Perception Test?

You should do as much practice as you can to prepare for the hazard perception test. Most people find the hazard perception exam to be more difficult to revise for than the theory test questions section and some even forgot about it all together.

If you fail the hazard perception part of the exam, it won’t matter if you got full marks on the theory test questions section, you will not pass your theory test. You HAVE to complete and pass both section to pass the exam.

How Hard Is The Hazard Perception Test?

The hazard perception test is as easy or as difficult as you make it for yourself. If you spend an appropriate amount of time revising and prepare yourself for the test, you should find the test to be easier.

However, if you don’t revise or only do an hour or so, you may find that the hazard perception test is more difficult to complete and pass successfully.

Generally, the more time you put into revising for the exam will mean the test is easier for you to pass. You should also ensure you use the official DVSA revision material to make sure you don’t get tricked into wrongly thinking a hazard is or isn’t a issue.

Are There Any Apps I Can Use?

Yes, there are a wealth of apps available to help you with revision for the hazard perception test.

You can use the official DVSA ones, but please note these are not available on Android devices, you can only get them from the Apple App Store. The Apple App Store is available on iPhones, iPads and iPod touch devices.