Taking your theory test is more than simply answering multiple-choice questions. You’re also tested on your hazard perception.
What does that mean? What do I have to do? How do I pass? You’ve probably got a lot of questions. Read on to find out everything you need to know in our comprehensive guide.
What is the driving hazard perception test?
The hazard perception test is the second part of your two-part driving theory test. It comes after the initial round of multiple-choice questions.
It’s a video-based assessment used to test how well you perceive your surroundings while driving. It monitors how quickly you identify and react to potential hazards on and around the road.
This assessment is designed to simulate situations you could face when driving on your own. It’s an essential part of proving you have what it takes to become a safe and responsible driver.
What happens during the hazard perception part of the theory test?
Before starting, you’ll be shown a video about how the hazard perception test works. You can watch it here if you want to see it before the day.
During the test, you’ll be shown 14 video clips. Each shows a different everyday road scene from a driver’s perspective. In 13 of these scenes, there will be one official ‘developing hazard’ (more on this below). In one clip, there will be two developing hazards.
All you have to do is click your mouse when you spot a developing hazard in the video you’re watching. You’re awarded points for each clip depending on what you spot and when. You won’t be able to pause or rewind any of the videos, so you must be prepared going in.
What is a ‘developing hazard’?
You need to click when you see a hazard developing. Generally, it’s something that would cause you to act, such as by slowing down, stopping or changing direction.
Some common examples include:
- Pedestrians approaching a zebra crossing ahead
- A car indicating and moving into the road from a stationary position
- Cyclists or horse riders ahead of you on the road
- A vehicle turning left or right ahead of you
- A vehicle reversing or performing a U-turn
- Flashing lights from a road sign or vehicle
How is the driving hazard perception test scored?
You’re awarded points based on if and how quickly you react to the hazards in each video. You can score up to five points for each clip with one developing hazard. On the clip with two hazards, you can score up to 10 points. That means there’s a total of 75 points available.
The sooner you click the mouse when a hazard emerges, the more points you’ll score. You don’t lose points if you click and get it wrong, but don’t click consistently or in a pattern. The computer will pick this up and may not give you any points for hazards you spot.
How many points to pass hazard perception?
Out of the 75 points available, you need 44 to pass the hazard perception test. You have to pass both parts – the multiple-choice and hazard perception tasks – to pass your theory test overall. You need 43 out of 50 to pass the multiple-choice phase.
Our top hazard perception test tips
Passing your theory test means you’re one step closer to taking your driving test and getting your full driving licence. Follow our tips to help you conquer the hazard perception part:
- Stay focused: You won’t know when a hazard will start to emerge. It could be a few seconds into the video, or towards the end. Maintain concentration and keep your hand on the mouse throughout each video to ensure you don’t miss anything important. Remember, you won’t be able to replay them.
- Understand what you’re looking for: You need to look out for developing hazards – something that could make you act while driving. This could be a car pulling out, pedestrians approaching a zebra crossing or a cyclist turning ahead. Knowing what you’re clicking for is half the battle.
- Watch out for road signs and other indicators: Road signs won’t always signal a potential hazard, but they might help you in certain situations. Look out for signs warning of pedestrian crossings, schools and junctions to give you a head start.
- Be intentional with your clicks: Don’t click excessively or in a recognisable pattern because the system will pick this up. When you see a hazard developing, click once and don’t click again until you see another.
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FAQs about the driving hazard perception test
Why is the hazard perception test important?
While the multiple-choice questions test your understanding of The Highway Code, traffic signs and essential driving skills, this part is more about your perception and awareness.
Knowing how to spot hazards while driving is a key skill for all motorists, old and new. If you can spot hazards in the theory test, you’re more likely to:
- Anticipate hazards before they become dangerous
- Respond to developing hazards more effectively
- Be safer on the road
- Be prepared for real-life scenarios
How many questions are in the hazard perception test?
This part of the theory test is made up of 14 videos rather than questions. You’ll see them one at a time and need to click when you see a developing hazard while each clip is playing.
How long does the hazard perception test take?
Each of the 14 videos lasts around one minute. Including the introduction at the start and the time between each clip, the hazard perception part of the theory test should take around 15 to 20 minutes. Find out more about how long a theory test is in our handy guide.
Can I practise this part of the theory test?
Yes, you can. Just like the multiple-choice questions, you can and should practise hazard perception in preparation for your theory test. This helps you get used to the process and gives you a better sense of what you should be looking for in these sorts of clips.
The DVSA has its own free hazard perception test you can practise with. But there are other paid apps and websites you can use to get more experience with different clips and scenarios.
Don’t do it all on a mobile device if possible. Get used to being in front of a larger computer screen with a mouse, like you’ll be in the real test.
What happens if I fail the driving hazard perception test?
Failing either the multiple-choice questions or the hazard perception test will mean you fail your driving theory test. You’ll get a letter at the test centre highlighting where you need to improve.
You’ll have to book the test again and take both parts, even if you’ve passed one already. It has to be at least three working days before you take the theory test again.
