Hazard perception test

Hazard perception test practice 

Before you start practising for hazard perception, we advise you familiarise yourself with the most common types of developing hazards described below. 
You can practise the latest hazard test 2023 with the most recent DVSA CGI hazard perception revision clips here: Hazard Perception test

It is highly recommended to practise hazard perception clips before going to the official theory test. Mistakes in hazard test are most common and usually become the reason of failure.  
Also remember to test you knowledge of the driving theory with our selection of mock Theory test practices.  
 

The changes in the hazard perception test came due to the poor quality of the old filmed clips. The new hazard perception clips show the same situations as the old clips, but they have better image quality and include modern surroundings and vehicles. Watch the examples of hazard perception clips below.
From a practical perspective, the way the hazard perception test works has not changed. The main principles and the pass marks are the same.
 
Hazard perception clips feature everyday road scenes and contain at least one ‘developing hazard’, but one of the clips features 2 ‘developing hazards’. You should bear in mind that a ‘developing hazard’ is not merely something that requires your attention, but rather something that may result in you having to react to it by taking some action. 
Watch the YouTube videos below to get a better understanding of how hazard perception clips work. It is highly recommended to practise hazard perception clips before going to the official test. This way you can familiarise yourself with the typical content of hazard perception clip and get to know how to observe a hazard.

 

 
You can find many Hazard perception testing clips from the Internet. Probably the best and most accurate test you can find here: hazard perception test.

Watch the following video to familiarise yourself with several examples of hazard perception clips

 

Common types of developing hazards:

Elderly and disabled pedestrians 

You should be extra careful in the vicinity of elderly people. They may have bad vision and may not be able to judge speeds and distances correctly, or not see you at all. Take extra care if you see people with disabilities (i.e. blind people usually carry a white cane or use a guide dog.) Always approach a blind pedestrian with extra care. If you see that a blind pedestrian is intending to step over the pedestrian crossing, stop and allow enough time for the blind pedestrian to cross the street. 

Children

Young children are extremely vulnerable when they play near the road. Playing children may be so carried away with the game that they won’t notice you at all. Remember that small child until a certain age is not able to judge speeds and distances correctly. If you see children playing near the street, reduce your speed and be ready to stop. Always slow down near schools and playgrounds, in residential areas, etc. 

Cyclists

Be extra careful when driving near cyclists, especially if they are occupying a traffic lane, which is not dedicated to them. Be prepared that they may make unexpected manoeuvres without notice. When making a turn, always remember to look out for approaching cyclists or pedestrians, especially where there is a special cycle track on the pavement.  You have to give way to all pedestrians and cyclists when you make a turn (unless they have a red light). When passing a cyclist, allow him or her plenty of space, never drive too close to a cyclist. Cyclists are often appearing in hazard perception clips and usually, they are a hazard because they appear suddenly and join your lane. You have to slow down as soon as you see an approaching cyclist who may join or cross your lane. 

Motorcyclists 

It may be hard to notice motorcyclists when they approach you from behind, come out of junctions and in roundabouts, overtake you or drive through traffic. Motorcyclists very often appear in hazard perception clips. Be sure to check your blind spot every time before changing lanes or turning. When passing a motorcyclist you have to allow him a lot of space, as much as you would leave to a passenger car. This is because motorcyclists may need space to manoeuvre due to the uneven road surface. Be prepared that a motorcyclist may change lanes or direction unexpectedly. 

Pedestrians

In a hazard perception clip, you will see a situation when you are driving along a quiet street full of parked vehicles. At some point, you will notice a pedestrian suddenly coming out from the behind a parked vehicle and crossing the street in front of you. In such situation, you have to be ready to slow down as soon as you see an approaching pedestrian. Sometimes when you approach a pedestrian crossing your vision may be obstructed by a vehicle, which is parked too close to the pedestrian crossing. In this case, you should slow down and be ready to stop if you see a pedestrian stepping over the crossing. 

Horse riders

If you encounter a horse rider or a horse-drawn vehicle, you should slow down and leave them plenty of space when you overtake. Do not use your horn, a horse may get afraid and act unpredictably. If necessary, a horse rider may give you signals to slow down or stop. You should obey them. 

Learner drivers

Watch out for learner drivers, be prepared to stop if they block your way due to lack of experience or lack of traffic rules knowledge. 

Slow moving vehicles and large vehicles

It is important to slow down in a timely manner when you approach a slow-moving vehicle. Also, watch out for large vehicles, they need more space when they make a turn. For example, large trucks and buses may have to occupy 2 lanes in order to make a turn. You have to anticipate this and slow down, if necessary. 

Emergency vehicles

If you see a police car, an ambulance or a fire engine approaching you with their sirens or flashing lights on, you must slow down and pull over to the side of the road leaving them plenty of space to pass. 

Weather conditions

In poor visibility and weather conditions such as fog, heavy rain or ice on the road surface, you should adapt your speed to the situation and drive with extra care. 

Road work zones

Approaching the area of road works, you should slow down and drive with extra care. Road works is a hazard because workers may be on the road and the road surfaces may be uneven. Always watch out for temporary speed limits in the road works zone. 

Other obstructions

If you drive on a narrow road and there is an obstruction in your lane (i.e. a big puddle or a parked vehicle) you should notice this on time, stop and wait until the oncoming vehicles pass and you may use their lane to overcome the obstruction. You should also watch out for possible obstructions in the oncoming lane and slow down if oncoming vehicles will be occupying your lane to pass the obstruction. 
When approaching a narrow tunnel, watch out for the warning sign telling which lane has the right of way. Slow down if you see that the tunnel is occupied by oncoming traffic.

Hazard Perception Test 2023