Hazard perception

Hazard perception is the ability to recognise potential dangers early and respond safely. The earlier you spot hazards, the more time you have to react.

How the test works

Before you start the hazard perception test, you'll be shown a video about how it works. You'll then watch 14 video clips featuring everyday road scenes. Each clip contains at least one developing hazard, and one of the clips features two developing hazards. A developing hazard is something that would cause you to take action, like changing speed or direction.

Respond by clicking the mouse as soon as you see a hazard developing that may result in you, the driver, having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction. The earlier you notice a developing hazard and make a response, the higher your score. However, you must wait until the hazard actually starts to develop and not click too early. Your response won't cause the scene in the video to change in any way, but a red flag will appear at the bottom of the screen to show that your response has been noted.

Before each clip starts, there'll be a 10-second pause so that you can see the new road situation. The hazard perception test lasts about 20 minutes.

Scoring

• There are 15 scoreable hazards in total, and you can score up to five marks on each. The total available score is 75.
• To get a high score, click the mouse as soon as you see the hazard starting to develop.
• You do not lose points if you click and get it wrong. However, you will not score anything if you click continuously or in a pattern. This is the anti-guessing rule, and it is the one thing that can wipe out a clip score no matter how well you actually spotted the hazard.
• The pass mark for ADI Part 1 is 57 out of 75 — considerably higher than the 44 out of 75 a learner needs, because you are being held to an instructor's standard.
• You only get one attempt at each clip. You cannot review or change your responses.
• You'll get the result at the test centre after taking the theory test.

Static hazards

Watch for roundabouts, parked cars, junctions, bends, road works and the road surface.

Pedestrian crossings

Know the five crossing types: zebra, toucan, pelican, puffin and equestrian crossings.

Moving hazards

Watch for emergency service vehicles, built-up traffic and cyclists.

Road users and what to do

Pedestrians. If you see pedestrians in the road, be patient and wait for them to finish crossing. On country roads there may be no pavement, so look out for pedestrians in the road. They may be walking towards you on your side of the road.

Car drivers. Hazards caused by other drivers are all too common and can lead to emotional reactions. An emotional reaction may affect your ability to drive safely and could increase your likelihood of causing an incident. Stay calm and make allowances for other drivers. Remember, even experienced drivers can make mistakes.

Motorcyclists. Look out for motorcyclists, especially when you're emerging from a junction, turning into a road on your right, or changing lanes or moving out to overtake.

Cyclists. Be aware of cyclists and give them plenty of room. They may wobble or swerve to avoid drains or potholes. At junctions or traffic lights, give cyclists time to turn or pull away. When travelling in slow traffic, before you turn left, check for cyclists filtering through the traffic on your left.

Horse riders. Horses can be unpredictable and easily spooked. Reduce your speed and give them plenty of room when overtaking.

Drivers of large vehicles. If you see a bus at a bus stop, remember that people may get off and then cross the road, or that the bus may be about to move off. School buses might stop at places other than bus stops. At some bridges, high vehicles may need to use the centre of the road to be able to pass underneath. Large goods vehicles over 13 metres long have red and yellow markings at the back of the vehicle.

Vehicles carrying hazardous loads. Some vehicles have information signs on the back to show that they contain a hazardous load. Learn what the signs mean.

Overtaking vehicles. Watch out for vehicles, especially motorcyclists, overtaking and cutting in front of you. If you need to, drop back to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. When turning right, don't forget to check to your right for overtaking vehicles before making the turn.

Powered vehicles used by disabled people. Reduce your speed and be careful. These small vehicles are extremely vulnerable on the road because they're difficult to see and they travel slowly.

Older drivers. Older drivers may not react very quickly, so be patient with them. You can practise spotting hazards in everyday situations such as when you're on a bus, as a passenger in a car, or riding a bicycle.

Weather hazards

• Rain: double your distance from the vehicle in front to four seconds.
• Ice: slow down and increase your separation distance.
• Fog: slow down and use dipped headlights in foggy weather.
• Bright sun: be aware that sunlight can dazzle you or other drivers.

Tips for the hazard perception test

• Practice makes perfect: use online resources to practise with mock clips.
• A second click can help: when you see something start to develop, click, and click again a moment later as it becomes a definite hazard. That covers the scoring window from both ends. Two deliberate clicks on a real hazard is not the same thing as clicking your way through a clip — keep every click tied to something you have actually seen.
• Never click rhythmically or continuously. Patterned clicking scores zero for the clip, and it is detected automatically.
• Stay alert: hazards can appear at any moment, so don't lose focus.
• Watch for dual hazards: keep your attention sharp until each video ends.
• Consistency is key: regular study and practice are crucial.
• Stay calm and focused: you perform better under pressure by staying calm.

When you're ready, test your skills on the library of hazard perception practice clips.