Hazard Perception Test

The Hazard Perception Test is a computerized part of the United Kingdom driving test. Candidates are shown multiple short video clips of driving scenarios and must respond to any emerging hazards. A variant of the test is part of the process of obtaining a driving license in many Australian states, including Victoria and New South Wales. All of the clips will include one developing hazard, and one will include two such hazards. The sooner an examinee reacts to a developing hazard, the more points are scored, from five down to one, with no score if the examinee reacts too late, thus the maximum possible score is 75 (100 for lorry and bus tests). The pass mark is 44 (58.6%) for car drivers and motorcyclists and 57 when qualifying as an Approved Driving Instructor. Lorry and Bus drivers must score 67 out of 100.

For the purposes of the test, a "developing hazard" is defined as something which requires the driver to adjust speed and/or direction. Potential hazards are road hazards for which no immediate action needs to be taken, but are worth observing in case their status changes. Clicking on potential hazards is acceptable, but the scoring window only opens if that hazard develops, thus examinees have to remember to react if the status of a hazard changes, and not just when the potential hazard is first spotted.

If you click several times during this window of time the computer will always take your highest score and record that for that particular clip. If you don’t click the mouse button in this window of time you will score nothing in respect to that hazard. If lots of unnecessary responses are made in a very short space of time, or throughout the clip, a zero score will recorded for that clip.

The Driving Standards Agency encourages learner drivers to read the highway code and practice their theory and hazard perception skills before they begin their driving lessons. There are many software packages available in CD format, online or for touchscreen devices for this purpose. Learner drivers can sit the Theory Test and Hazard Perception Test from the age of 17. Those on the higher rate component of Disability Living Allowance are able to take the test at 16.