Hazard Perception Test for Learner Drivers

In order to be eligible for UK practical driving test, a learner driver is required to first pass a theory test, which consists of two parts. First one is MCQ test (Multiple Choice Questions), based on knowledge and the other is a hazard perception test for learner drivers. Former is somewhat easier than the later. Hazard perception test has been one of the primary causes of failure to pass in driving theory test. For many people it takes a lot of attempts to clear this test. However if this test seems to be difficult for you, you can pass it easily once you know how it works.

UK government introduced the hazard perception test in Nov. 2002 for enhancing the driving skills and for reducing the number of people being killed or seriously injured in road accidents. It is basically introduced by a collaborative planning of the DSA (Driving Standard Agency), the TRL (Transport Research Laboratory) and the Road Safety Division to test the hazard awareness skills of a driver.

Hazard perception test is executed through clicking the mouse of a computer. Every learner driver is presented with fourteen different video clips, featuring day-to-day road scenes. 13 out of 14 clips would consist of one scoring hazard, while the rest 1 clip would include two scoring hazards. One has to be prompt enough to click the mouse button at appropriate timing for passing the test.

In order to get high score each time, you will need to respond as quickly as possible. This is because responding early to a hazard development will mean lesser chance of the occurrence of an accident. However, there is a common mistake a candidate does too often and that is clicking of the mouse button too early, i.e. even before the computer can perceive the hazard. If you click too early, you won’t get any number. This usually happens in case of hyperactivity, which is common among candidates who are overconfident or nervous.

There is no option to review your answer once you have clicked the mouse button. This measure is there to let you realize that you will get only one chance to respond to any developing hazard on the road. This is why you are required to be paying your utmost concentration while giving the test.

Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter how good you are at responding to hazard developments, the highest score you can get can never be more than five. It doesn’t matter for which vehicle you are giving your driving test; the version of hazard perception test is always the same. This is because the skills of early perception of any potential danger and of recognising any available clues are pre-requisites for any driver.