What is the Hazard Perception Test?

What is the Hazard Perception Test for learner car drivers and motorcyclists?  We have the answers you’ll need to know!

The Hazard Perception Test was introduced in October 2002 and forms the second part of the Theory Test, which you MUST pass if you ever want to get your full driving licence.

You take the Hazard Perception Test at the same time as the multiple-choice Theory Test and you have to pass both sections to receive your Theory Test pass certificate.

If you fail one section of the test and pass the other part, you will still have to re-sit both sections to achieve a Theory Test pass.

Essentially, the Hazard Perception Test is there to test how you recognise and understand hazards on the roads that you might see every day, such as a cyclist looking to join the road you’re on from a side road.

How many videos in the Hazard Perception Test?

The Hazard Perception Test consists of a series of 14 video clips, each lasting about one minute.

Shown from the driver’s viewpoint, the Hazard Perception Test clips feature various types of hazards, such as vehicles, pedestrians or other road users.

What is the Hazard Perception Test pass mark?

The current pass mark for learner car drivers and motorcyclists in Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the Hazard Perception Test is 44 out of 75.

Do all the video clips only contain one hazard in the Hazard Perception Test?

No, the Hazard Perception Test contains 15 scoreable hazards, which means that one of the clips contains two developing hazards, so don’t assume that you can relax once you think you have identified one hazard.

Also, the hazard that you have identified may not necessarily be the one that the DVSA have classed as the ‘scoring’ hazard. So you must pay attention throughout each clip and click the mouse button each and every time you see something you perceive to be a developing hazard.

When to click in the Hazard Perception Test?

During the Hazard Perception Test, you must click the mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing that would require you to take action, for example changing speed, road position or direction. The earlier you spot the developing hazard and respond, the higher you will score (up to a maximum of five points per clip).

We have a detailed blog explaining when to click in the Hazard Perception test, so please read that for more information.

Revise for the Hazard Perception Test

From our experience and the questions we receive from our customers, we know that this part of the Theory Test is one that most people find the most difficult.

There are no answers that you can memorise – this part of the test is all about how you see hazards on the road and react to them.

The ONLY way you can prepare for this is to practise using the latest licensed DVSA material which aims to give you the UNDERSTANDING required to pass.

Our award-winning Driving Test Success 4 in 1 App contains 85 interactive Hazard Perception clips including the 34 DVSA CGI clips and cheat detection, just like in the official DVSA test!

And, with a progress tracker included, this app is all you need to pass the complete Theory Test.

Download today for just £4.99 on either your iOS or Android device!

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