Harazard Perception
The Hazard Perception part of your Theory Test
The DSA have provided a video guide on YouTube to help you understand how the Hazard Perception part of the Theory Test works.
Before you start the hazard perception part, you'll be shown a short video clip about how it works.
You'll then be shown a series of video clips on a computer screen. The clips feature every day road scenes and contain at least one developing hazard - but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.
A developing hazard is something that may result in you having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction.
How the hazard perception scoring works
The earlier you notice a developing hazard and make a response, the higher you will score. The most you can score for each developing hazard is five points.
You need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development and press the mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing.
You won't be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test.
If you click continuously or in a pattern during a clip a message will appear at the end. It will tell you that you have scored zero for that particular clip.
An example of when to respond to a hazard
Think of a parked car on the side of the road. When you first see it, it isn't doing anything - it's just a parked car. If you respond at this point, you wouldn't score any marks, but you wouldn't lose any marks.
The difference between a potential and developing hazard
When you get closer to the car, you notice that its right-hand indicator starts to flash. This would make you think that the driver of the car is going to move away. The hazard is now developing and a response at this point would score marks.
The indicator coming on is a sign that the car has changed from a potential hazard into a developing hazard.
When you get closer to the car, you'll probably see it start to move away from the side of the road. You should make another response at this point.
Hazard perception test
| Category | Video clips | Developing hazards | Pass mark |
| Car and motorcycle | 14 clips | 15 | 44 out of 75 |
At the end of your Theory Test
If you pass your theory test, you'll get a pass certificate. You'll need this when you book and take your practical test, so it's important that you keep it safe.
Your theory test pass certificate runs out after two years of passing your test. If you have not passed your practical test by then, you'll need to take and pass the theory test again.
When you have finished the test you can leave the test room- but you won't be able to go back in so make sure before you leave that you have done everything that you should. You will then be given your result by the test centre staff.
