Before you can apply to take your practical driving test and become a fully-qualified driver, you must first pass the theory test.
A significant element of the theory test is the hazard awareness test.
The hazard awareness, or hazard perception as some people know it, is designed to test you on your analyses of potential hazards when driving.
As you become more experienced at driving, you get better at identifying potential hazards, however, it’s a vital skill to have in order to be safe driving on the road, which is why it’s a part of the driving theory test.
Even if you pass the other parts of the theory test, failing the hazard awareness element will result in a total fail.
The test is a video-based perception test.
As the video unfolds, you will be expected to quickly identify any potential hazards that are developing or emerging on the screen in front of you.
It’s been designed to replicate real-life scenarios and situations that you will come across on any given day.
While it takes place on a computer, don’t worry if you’re not very good with computers. You don’t need to be.
It’s as simple as clicking a mouse when you see each hazard, so no computer knowledge is required.
This guide is split up into our usual sections, although the step-by-step guide has been built slightly differently.
We’ve firstly explained how the test works and how you’re judged, and then we’ve given some additional tips to try and help you get through it.
Make sure you also check out the ‘hints & tips’ and ‘useful information’ sections below for further information and guidance.
How The Hazard Awareness Test Works:
Some Steps To Help You Pass The Hazard Awareness Test:
Here are a few more pointers that may help you get through the hazard awareness element of your theory test:
This section provides a resource of further information which can put you in a strong position to pass your hazard awareness segment of your theory test.
Your first port of call should be the Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency website for more information, but then also use search engines to find some examples to practise on.
One word of warning – make sure the hazard perception test you choose is a UK one.
There are variations, such as an Australian one.
Once you’re aware of what constitutes a hazard, the main challenges you face will be around handling your nerves and ensuring you complete the test successfully.
The more time you can spend preparing ahead of your test the better.
Use the resources online which you can do in your own time – mock tests, explainer videos and written information are freely available.
There is no way to fudge your way through this test, and you wouldn’t want to.
Knowing what the dangers of the road are is vital when you’re driving and the hazard awareness test is a great way of really familiarising yourself with it.