The Hazard Perception Test is part of the theory test that every aspiring driver must go through.
It involves 75 questions and you need to get 44 of them right.
Otherwise, you fail the test entirely and will have to retake it.
If you don’t want that to happen to you, there are ways you can prepare yourself for the examination.
And we’re here to tell you about the 6 useful Hazard Perception Test tips.
Let’s go!
6 Tips to Help You Pass the Hazard Perception Test
Want to pass the Hazard Perception Test on your first try?
Then follow these 6 tips…
Tip #1: Know the Different Types of Hazards
There are two types of hazards, namely, a potential hazard and a developing hazard.
A potential hazard is a possible danger that hasn’t occurred yet. As a driver, you can still avoid this hazard if you’re careful.
On the other hand, a developing hazard is already starting to happen. It requires you to do something to avoid an accident.
This may mean that you have to brake or steer your car in a different direction.
Now, in the Hazard Perception Test, you’re asked to select developing hazards. If you click on a potential hazard, you don’t get a point.
Keep in mind, there is a maximum number of clicks needed in each video.
Tip #2: Practice by Being a Passenger
One of the ways you can practice spotting hazards is by being a passenger.
Drivers need to have their full attention on the road. So you might not be able to think about this.
But passengers can afford to relax and look around – see what’s happening in their surroundings.
Simply look out the window (or windshield) and try to spot hazards. Challenge yourself a little step further by trying to identify them as potential or developing hazards.
Tip #3: Practice with Online Videos
Another helpful Hazard Perception Test tip is to take online practice tests.
There are lots of videos you can find online that are similar to the videos on the actual test.
The best part of online practice videos is that the feel and style of testing are almost like the real thing. This way, you become more familiar with the test, lessening the anxiety that you might feel.
Remember, practice makes perfect.
Practicing with a lot of hazard perception videos can improve your chances of passing the Hazard Perception Test.
These online practice tests will also help you get familiar with the mechanics of the actual Hazard Perception Test.
And this leads to our next tip…
Tip #4: Know the Mechanics of the Test
Knowing what to expect and what to do in the test will help get rid of the nervousness you might feel.
Make sure that you know how the test will go.
You will be shown 14 videos — each one with at least one developing hazard you need to spot.
You need to click the moment you spot the hazard.
It won’t be scored if you click too early or too late.
It’s also important to know that there will only be one developing hazard in the 13 videos that will be shown to you. The 14th video (not necessarily the last video) will have two developing hazards.
Tip #5: Don’t Click Too Much
Tests can be long and boring.
We understand why you’d be inclined to finish the test as fast as you possibly can.
Unfortunately, the software that runs the Hazard Perception Test might consider this a sign of cheating.
If you click too often and in a continuous pattern, the software detects this as cheating because the continuous clicking signals that you’re only randomly clicking and not really identifying the hazard.
What happens if you’re caught cheating?
This will disqualify you from the Hazard Perception Test and could end up in you failing your driver’s test.
So don’t be in a rush and click everything.
Take your time.
Spot those hazards.
Tip #6: Look for Clues
You may not notice it, but there are clues in each video that will help you spot developing hazards.
For example, there are road signs that tell pedestrians to not cross the street. A developing hazard might be someone who looks like they are not going to obey the sign.
Another hint can be someone who is inside a parked car. A developing hazard is when they choose to get out of the car at the wrong time.
Knowing the things that happen before a developing hazard is going to help you better spot the hazard.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hazard Perception Test
Got a few questions about the Hazard Perception Test?
Here are some FAQs that can further guide you.
Is the Hazard Perception Test Hard to Pass?
At first, it may seem hard as you need to get 44 points out of 75. However, with a lot of practice, you will find the test easy, or at most, doable.
If you fail the Hazard Perception Test, you will fail the full theory exam. You will need to take the test again in order to get your license.
Can You Cheat in the Hazard Perception Test?
No, you can’t. This is because the test has built-in anti-cheating software. It will detect if you’re clicking too randomly — and this might be flagged as cheating.
How Many Hazard Perception Videos are in the Test?
There will be a total of 14 videos, with 13 of those with just one developing hazard. One video will have two hazards, but you won’t be told which video it is.
How Many Clicks Are You Allowed to Take Per Clip?
You are allowed to click not more than 10 times per video.
Conclusion
And those were the 6 Hazard Perception Test tips.
Passing the Hazard Perception Test might be difficult, especially since there’s added pressure to pass it. If you don’t, you fail the theory test altogether (even if you pass the multiple-choice portion).
So to avoid failing this test, we highly recommend you to follow these 6 tips — knowing the mechanics of the test and practicing A LOT.
Trust us.
The test is going to be a lot easier for you the more experienced you are with identifying developing hazards.
Good luck!