"...new drivers take much longer to recognize hazardous situations than more experienced drivers..."

What is Hazard Perception ?

Hazard perception is the ability of a driver to identify situations at the earliest possible opportunity that might require them as a driver to take some form of avoiding action such as changing speed or direction. This involves techniques such as scanning, selecting a safe separation distance, using an appropriate speed, planning well ahead, and having good anticipation.

Why is Hazard Perception so important ?

Each year 3,600 people are killed on Britain's roads. Improved hazard perception skills are expected to play an important part in achieving the Government's challenging casualty reduction targets. Young drivers (17-21) make up only 7% of all licence holders yet they are involved in up to one in seven accidents involving injury.

The accident liability of new drivers drops sharply over the first 12 months or so after passing the test and continues to fall as more experience is gained. New drivers take much longer (up to two seconds longer) to recognize hazardous situations than more experienced drivers.

Many test candidates demonstrate poor scanning and anticipation skills that are seen as vital in driving safely. By establishing a process for testing these areas it should be possible to ensure that they are covered more thoroughly during driver training.

What is the evidence to support the introduction of a hazard perception test?

Research has shown that:
Performance in tests of hazard perception improves as experience is gained. Experienced drivers perform better than new drivers, who in turn perform better than learner drivers. Drivers who have had an accident in recent years also perform less well than those who have not had an accident. Research has also shown that after three hours of special training, new drivers could achieve an average score that equal to that of experienced drivers.

Do young drivers have quicker reactions than older drivers?

Yes, they do. However, the more experienced driver scans the road better and recognizes the clues that show a hazardous situation is developing much earlier and therefore starts to take action before the danger occurs. This is one of the reasons why accident involvement generally reduces as experience is gained.

How will the test be taken?

The hazard perception test, which was introduced in November 2002, is taken at the same time as the theory test and will take about an extra 15 minutes.

By taking the hazard perception test at the same time as the theory test candidates will be able to relate the skills they develop whilst preparing for the test to the practical experience gained during their driving lessons and practice.

How will the test work? - It is not a Video Game

Candidates are shown 14 moving video clips filmed from a car. Each clip contains one or more developing hazards. The candidate is asked to indicate as soon as they see a hazard developing which may result in the driver needing to take some action, such as changing speed or direction. The sooner a response is made the higher the points scored. There are up to 5 points available for each of the 15 scoring hazards. Out of the possible 75 points available the current pass-mark is 44 points.

What training is be available?

The Way Ahead School of Motoring has course materials available to help develop the required skills, including CD-ROMS and videos. The competences necessary to be proficient in hazard perception are



the correct use of speed



selection of an appropriate separation distance



the ability to scan effectively, and to anticipate and plan for hazardous situations