Hazard Perception Test

Hazard perception test is the second part of the UK theory test.

Theory test is a mandatory test which all UK learner drivers must pass to obtain a full driving license. The test includes multiple-choice questions and hazard perception test. Here you can find information about hazard perception test. Also you can try some free hazard perception test videos.

Hazard perception test explained

  1. Part of the Theory Test: The Hazard Perception Test is a component of the UK driving theory test, alongside the multiple-choice section.
  2. Testing Hazard Awareness: It assesses your ability to identify and respond to potential hazards while driving.
  3. Interactive Video Clips: The test presents you with a series of real-life scenarios shown through computer-generated video clips.
  4. Identifying Developing Hazards: Your task is to identify and click the mouse when you notice a developing hazard on the screen.
  5. Scoring System: Each hazard has a maximum score of five, based on when you respond. The quicker you identify the hazard, the higher your score.
  6. Timing and Reaction: Timing is crucial in the Hazard Perception Test. Clicking too early or too late after a hazard develops can result in a lower score or no points.
  7. Multiple Hazards in a Clip: Some clips may contain more than one hazard. You should identify and respond to each hazard appropriately.
  8. Practice is Essential: Practicing with official DVSA Hazard Perception Test materials can improve your ability to identify hazards accurately.
  9. Pass Mark and Validity: To pass the Hazard Perception Test, you need a minimum score of 44 out of 75. The test certificate is valid for two years.
  10. Integration with Theory Test: You must pass both the multiple-choice section and the Hazard Perception Test to obtain a valid theory test pass certificate.

What is the Hazard Perception test?

Hazard perception test is an important part of the UK Theory test which aims to evaluate how well a learner driver is able spot and react to a hazardous situation on the road. Noticing a potential hazard early enough is a crucial skill that each driver must develop. Good hazard perception helps prevent road accidents and save lives.

This part of theory test is usually regarded as the most difficult. It is crucial to practise mock hazard perception clips in order to understand how the test works and what is expected of you on the real test day. This site offers preparation material and hazard perception clips licenced by DVSA (the people who set the actual test). This means that the material is very close to the actual test.

The Hazard perception test (for car and motorcycle drivers) consists of 14 video clips of typical road situations and features 15 developing hazards. This means that 13 video clips contain one developing hazard, while one clip contains two hazards. Depending on your ability to spot a developing hazard on time, you may score up to 5 points per hazard. The pass mark for car and motorcycle hazard perception test is 44 out of 75 points.

Hazard perception test for lorry, bus and coach drivers will contain 19 video clips with 20 developing hazards to be spotted. The pass mark is 67 out of 100 points.

How to prepare for the hazard perception test?

The recommended way to prepare for the Hazard Perception test part is to practise recognising developing hazards with the DVSA CGI revision clips. 

You can practise these clips as many times as you need and master your skills of noticing developing hazards on time. Remember that you can press more than once or twice. You will not be penalised if you press on some of the potential hazards as well. However, pressing too many times may cause a warning message to appear and result in a zero score for that clip.