It is well documented that new motorists account for the majority of accidents that occur on Britain’s roads, particularly in the early months after passing their practical driving test.
In a bid to better prepare new motorists for life on the UK’s roads, the Government decided to introduce the hazard perception test as an additional element to the UK driving theory test.
Since its introduction it has been statistically proven, by the DVSA, that drivers who have undertaken the hazard perception test as part of their theory test have much better hazard perception skills.
Why was the hazard perception test introduced?
The hazard perception test was introduced as part of the UK theory test as a means of representing driving conditions without actually being in a car, testing the ability of learner motorists to identify potential hazards on a screen and applying that knowledge in real driving conditions.
The hazard perception test was primarily introduced as a Government initiative to tackle the number of people killed on Britain’s roads by making hazard perception a prominent feature of UK driving theory.
How does the hazard perception test work?
The hazard perception test makes up the second part of the UK driving theory test and is delivered, on screen, with test candidates required to respond to potential hazards by clicking on the screen where they think a hazard is occurring.
Candidates are presented with a series of video clips, which show every day road scenes. In each clip at least one developing hazard will occur however, in some clips, two hazards may be shown.
The aim is to achieve the highest score possible by responding at the earliest stage at which a hazard develops. The maximum score achievable on each hazard scenario is five.
When should you respond on the hazard perception test?
The best way for Book Theory Test Today to present this is to provide an example. Picture the scene – There’s a vehicle parked at the road side. When you first spot it nothing eventful is happening it is simply a stationary vehicle. Should you respond at this point, you would score no marks, however, you also wouldn’t lose any marks.
But, as you approach the vehicle, you notice that its right indicator begins to flash. The indication would lead you to assume that the vehicle is about to move off from its stationary position therefore, a hazard is now developing and a response at this point would incur marks.
As you get closer to the vehicle you will most likely identify the vehicle starting to move away from the roadside; a further response should be made at this point.
How is the hazard perception element of the theory test scored?
The test is scored based on how quickly you respond to a developing hazard. The maximum you can score on each clip is five and the quicker you respond, the higher the score that is given.
You should be made aware that you’re unable to review your answers for the hazard perception aspect of the theory test. The test is designed to measure your response to actual road conditions in real-time. So, just as if you were driving in actual road conditions, you would only have one opportunity to respond to a developing hazard. Therefore, concentration is key to the hazard perception test.
Book Theory Test Today offers an intermediary service assisting clients with booking a UK driving theory test, or practical test, at test centres across the nation. The service also supplies resources to help you prepare for your driving theory test – Ready to take your theory test? Book your theory test online today…    Â
