How to pass hazard perception test

hazard perception test forms a 2nd segment of the driving theory test and needs to be passed at the same time. Integrating theoretical hazard perception test into the practical training sessions will assure that as competence is reached in each of the necessary skills, they are strengthened and used while you are on the road to maximize the route safety benefits.

This portion of the theory test asks you to see 14 hazard video clips on the computer screen of about one minute each. You are asked to watch these hazard clips as if you were the driver. There will be 15 hazards to find - any on each clip. However, one clip will have 2 hazards. The hazard perception test clips will likely not contain any sound.


The following listing provides the 13 hazard groups that you should be looking for:

• Pedestrians: Adults
• Pedestrians: Young adults and children
• Pedestrians: Elderly and infirm
• Zebra crossings & traffic controllers
• Horse riders & other animals
• Cyclists & motorcyclists
• Vehicles: Meeting
• Vehicles: Emerging
• Vehicles: Flashing lights
• Vehicles: Moving off
• Vehicles: Larger vehicles
• Vehicles: Reversing & U-turns
• Vehicles: Turning left or right

Each hazard clip begins with a freezing frame of the start of video and a count down from 10 will commence. At the end of the count down the clip will start to play and you will be asked to click on the mouse at any time when you see a potential hazard start to develop and each time any extra evidence appears to back up that development. To let you know that the program has registered your click a red flag will appear on a gray band across the bottom of the screen - one flag for each click you make in any particular clip. At the end of the clip all flags will be removed before starting an upcoming clip. Although each clip holds several possible hazards only the one that materializes into a real hazard and involves another road user is marked.

The official hazard perception practice video clip recommends that you click the mouse button each time you find a difference as the hazard materializes, not just once when you think you have seen it start to develop. This will ensure you score the maximum for each clip even if you click too quickly as you expect a hazard rather than responding to its development. Hence, it might be normal to click 2, 3 or possibly 4 times as the hazard evolves. However, make sure you only click in response to changes you see.

When the clip finishes the screen will turn black for a few seconds before the freeze frame for an upcoming video clip looks and the count down commences again warning you to get ready. This form is repeated until all 14 video clips have been shown.

Practical driving test with special needs

Taking the practical driving test if you have special needs:

After passing your driving theory test, you will prepare for your practical test. DSA provides a number of facilities for you if you have special needs or physical disabilities. You can read about more about these facilities on this page. No matter how serious your disability might be, you'll still take the same driving test as everyone else.

Health conditions that could affect your driving

The law requires you to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about any condition that might affect your ability to drive safely. Find out if you need to tell DVLA about your medical condition.

What to do when you book your practical driving test:

When you book your practical driving test, you'll be asked if you will be bringing an interpreter with you.

You'll be asked if you have:

• any condition which affects your movement
• any missing limbs
• any special learning needs
• arthritis
• dyslexia
• epilepsy
• paraplegia
• any other special needs

You'll also be asked if you are:

• deaf - either profoundly or not
• heavily pregnant

Taking a test with more time allowed:

More time might be allowed for your test if you have certain special needs. This gives the examiner time to talk to you about your disability and any adaptations fitted to your vehicle. You don't need to have a badge through the Blue Badge Scheme to be able to take a test with more time.

Taking the practical test if English isn't your first language:

You can bring your own interpreter for your practical driving test. They must be at least 16 years old. Your approved driving instructor can be your interpreter. You will need to arrange your own interpreter and pay any fees that they charge. Driving examiners are very experienced at dealing with candidates who speak little or no English.

Taking the driving test if you have hearing difficulties:

If you are deaf or have hearing difficulties, the examiner will communicate with you by whatever means works best for you.

At the start of the test the examiner will tell you what will happen by using written notes. They will also look at you to help you lip read what they are saying if you find that helpful.

The examiner will usually give directions to you as hand signals. These will be explained and shown to you using written cards before your test starts.

Taking an interpreter with you on your practical driving test:

You can bring your own interpreter for your practical driving test if you use sign language. They must be at least 16 years old. Your approved driving instructor can be your interpreter. You will need to arrange your own interpreter and pay any fees that they charge.

Taking the practical driving test while you are pregnant:

You can take a driving test at any stage of your pregnancy. However, you must be able and willing to do an emergency stop.

Taking the eyesight test if you have reading difficulties. At the start of the practical driving test, the examiner will ask you to read the number plate on a parked vehicle. If you have learning difficulties or do not speak English, you are allowed to write down the shapes of what you see on the number plate.

You need to read the number plate 20 meters with a new-style plate and at 20.5 meters with an old-style plate.

Special needs and the independent driving section of the test:

When you book your test, tell DSA about your special needs. Your examiner then knows which type of special needs you have, so reasonable adjustment can be made during the independent driving section. This could be by asking you which method you prefer - following traffic signs or a series of directions (a maximum of three), which are supported by a diagram. In some cases this may be shortened to just two directions.

Source: DSA