Hazard perception test tips to pass first time

The Hazard Perception Test is an important part of learning to drive, but what is it and how can you prepare? Read on to find out.

If you’re on the long road to getting your full driving licence, you’re probably aware of the Hazard Perception Test. It’s a measure of how alert to your surroundings you are – after all, a more aware driver is far less likely to have an accident.

For some learner drivers, the hazard perception test can be quite daunting, but at its core it’s quite straightforward. In this handy guide we’ll go through what you can expect and how you can make sure you’re best prepared.

What is the hazard perception test?

The hazard perception test makes up part of your driving theory test, and it’s all about making sure you’re alert to your surroundings.

You watch a series of video clips showing different everyday driving scenes, and you point out any potential hazards (usually by clicking a computer mouse button) that you spot.

How does the hazard perception test work?

During the test you’ll be presented with 14 video clips, 13 of which will have one developing hazard and one with two developing hazards. You have to click your mouse when you see one of these hazards, and there are up to five points available for each one depending on how early you spot it.

As long as you score 44 points or more, you’ll pass this part of your theory test. All that’s left is the separate multiple-choice element and you’ll be one step closer to that pink plastic ticket to freedom.

Hazard perception test tips

So how can you prepare for the hazard perception test? We’ve got six handy tips which will hold you in good stead.

1. Know what a hazard is
2. Take practice test
3. Be on the lookout
4. Don’t click too often
5. Look out for road signs
6. One clip will have two hazards, not just one

Tip 1: Know what a hazard is

It goes without saying, but knowing what a hazard is will help you a lot when you take your hazard perception test, as knowing what to look out for is most of the battle.

In the hazard perception test, you’ll be asked to identify what’s referred to as a ‘developing hazard’. In layman’s terms, this is essentially a hazard that will require you to slow down, stop or steer out of the way.

For example, a car parked on the side of the road isn’t a developing hazard. However, if the indicator light starts flashing and the car starts to move away, that would be a developing hazard as you would need to slow down in order to avoid a collision with it.

Tip 2: Take practice tests

Just as with the multiple-choice questionnaire portion of the theory test, you can also get a taste of what the hazard perception test will be like before you take it. The DVSA runs its own service that lets you practice mock hazard perception test videos, and there are other websites that also let you practice mock tests.

While they won’t necessarily contain the same scenarios that will feature in the hazard perception test when you take it, they will give you an idea of what to look out for and help hone your awareness skills. These mock tests also help familiarise you with how the test works, so you’ll hopefully be more comfortable and at ease when you take it for real.

Tip 3: Be on the lookout

While the hazard perception test consists entirely of video clips, that doesn’t mean you have to always be in front of a screen when preparing for the real test. You can also keep your eyes peeled for hazards when you’re out on the road, whether that’s when you’re driving with your instructor or as a passenger.

What hazards you’ll encounter, if any, will vary depending on the traffic levels and behaviour of other road users – in some instances, you may not see any at all. However, it can get you in the habit of being aware of your surroundings and developing situations. This will not only put you in good stead for the hazard perception test, but will also benefit you when you eventually get your full licence.

Tip 4: Don’t click too often

When you take your hazard perception test, it can be tempting to simply click on everything that may or may not become an obstruction you’ll need to avoid. However, the DVSA has thought ahead on that, and put in place measures to stop you from trying to beat the system.

For example, if you click too many times, you will automatically fail that part of the test and score zero points – making it even harder for you to pass your hazard perception test and, by extension, your theory test. Likewise, clicking in a regular pattern will also result in nil points for that particular clip.

Tip 5: Look out for road signs

While a road sign in a hazard perception test video isn’t guaranteed to preview an upcoming hazard, paying attention to them can give you a helping hand. For instance, if there’s a sign for an upcoming junction or roundabout, keep an eye out for them as the hazard in the clip could be an approaching vehicle. Likewise, keep an eye out for pedestrians if you spot signs for an upcoming zebra crossing.

Tip 6: One clip will have two hazards, not just one

Of the 14 clips you’ll watch in your hazard perception test, 13 of them will only have one hazard in them. However, one will instead have two hazards for you to identify, meaning you can earn up to 10 points for this clip rather than the usual five.

There also won’t be any advance warning for when this two-hazard-video is playing, so make sure you keep an eye out for hazards in all of the clips when you take your test in full.

How to pass the hazard perception test

Over the 14 clips in the hazard perception test in which there are 15 different developing hazards you need to spot – 13 have hazards and one clip will have two. You can score up to five points for each one depending on how early you spot the danger, you’ll score five if you spot it at the earliest opportunity and this will go down the longer you leave it.

This means there are up to 75 points on offer in total, and you need to score 44 to pass this part of your theory test. Score three on each one then and you’ll be laughing. Remember that you won’t lose points if you click at the wrong time, but clicking too often or in a pattern will result in you failing that clip and scoring zero.

Hazard perception test FAQs

How does the hazard perception test work?

The hazard perception test works by tasking you with identifying a developing hazard in a short video. Multiple videos make up the hazard perception test, and you’ll earn a higher score if you can correctly point out a developing hazard sooner rather than later.

How many hazard perception clips are there in the test?

In total, there will be 14 short video clips in the hazard perception test. 13 of them will have one hazard in them, while one of the clips will contain two hazards for you to point out.

How many points do you need to pass the hazard perception test?

In order to pass the hazard perception test, you will need to earn a score of 44 points or higher. There are a maximum possible 75 points to earn in the hazard perception test.

How long is the hazard perception test?

The exact length of the test will depend on how long the clips that you’ll be assessed on are. However, by and large, it shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes for you to complete the hazard perception test.

How many times can you click on the hazard perception test?

You can click as many times as you want on the hazard perception test, though it’s not advised to click too frequently. This is because the system may register your repeated clicks as an attempt to cheat, which will result in you scoring nothing for that particular clip.

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