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In this tutorial we look at how to practice for the hazard perception test. The hazard perception part of the theory test comprises of 14 video clips in which the candidate will have 15 hazards to spot and click the mouse to score. The scoring window opens when the hazard begins and the candidate can score a maximum of 5 at this point, from here the score reduces down to 0 over a period of just a few seconds. You must also be aware that each clip will contain only one developing hazard apart from one which will contain 2 so you must keep concentrating in case another developing occurs.

The first thing to understand for this test is the difference between a hazard and a developing hazard. A hazard is described as something that the driver needs to be aware of but needs no reaction to, i.e a pedestrian walking on the pavement. The second type is the developing hazard, take the previous example now if the pedestrian starts to cross the cross it becomes a developing hazard and now requires a reaction from the driver and so the candidate should react by clicking the mouse.

This therefore shows how to spot the developing hazards rather than clicking endlessly on all the hazards that appear during normal driving. The second parts to be aware of in the clips are warning signs or situations that may give way to a developing hazard about to occur. Take for example the clips show a warning triangle for a narrow road and in the clip you can see a blind bend, the assumption would be that the narrow road will appear shortly after coming round the bend and if a car was using that narrow stretch of road then you would need to respond. So in this type of clip the sign alerts to the possibility of this hazard developing further and as a driver with his foot hovering over the brake your finger would be poised ready to click the mouse.

The final part that we look at here is the method of clicking. The theory test system is programmed to discard too many click or rhythmical clicking as it is seen a form of cheating and score 0 for the clip. With this in mind the best course of action is to click when you first notice a hazard starting to develop, then if it develops further you should click again to make sure of some score and possibly a third if you feel necessary but no more to avoid scoring 0. The system will always give the highest score so if you click on the point of 5 and 3 and 1 you would score 5.

The final thing to then do is to find a theory test system that allows the candidate to review their clips so that they can improve their performance and achieve the best possible score and pass first time. With this sort of system you can try out different clicking methods to fine tune the best method for scoring well.

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