Home Open Access News Transport Hazard perception test now features more weather conditions

Hazard perception test now features more weather conditions

November 19, 2018

The hazard perception part of the theory test now includes clips to test a learner driver’s ability to spot developing hazards in different weather conditions

The hazard perception part of the theory test assesses the ability to spot ‘developing hazards’. These are things that would cause drivers to take action, like changing speed or direction.

In the theory test, you have to spot developing hazards in 14 video clips. You get points for spotting the developing hazards as soon as they start to happen.

The clips now include scenarios including driving in:

fog
rain
snow and ice
wind

Some new clips also show driving at night and in low-light conditions, like dawn and dusk.

These new clips will also be added to:

motorcycle theory tests from December 2018
lorry, bus and coach theory tests from early 2019
approved driving instructor (ADI) part 1 tests and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) enhanced rider scheme trainer theory tests from early 2019

Why the new types of clips are being introduced

The Department for Transport’s reported road casualties report for 2017 shows that 16,406 accidents happened in rain, sleet, snow or fog. Of those, 205 accidents were fatal.

It’s vital that learner drivers can spot developing hazards and take appropriate action. It’s particularly important in more challenging conditions, and where the stopping distance is longer than dry roads.

In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads. In icy or snowy weather, it can be as much as 10 times greater.

Hazard perception testing leads to a reduction in collisions

Research from the Department for Transport (PDF, 1.1MB) has shown that hazard perception training and testing could account for an 11% reduction in collisions, potentially saving hundreds of lives every year.

Jesse Norman, Road Safety Minister, said: “The UK has some of the safest roads in the world, but we’re always looking for ways to make them safer.

“These new hazard perception clips offer more realistic driving conditions to test a learner driver’s ability, preparing them for overcoming the real-life challenges they will face on the road – something that should benefit all road users.”

Mark Winn, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Chief Driving Examiner, said: “DVSA’s priority is to help everyone through a lifetime of safe driving.

“Every year too many people are injured on our roads by hazards frequently encountered by drivers and we are determined to do more.

“We know the theory test helps saves lives, so we are using computer-generated imagery (CGI) clips to further improve road safety.”