The hazard perception test: how scoring works

The hazard perception test is the second part of your theory test. It measures how early you spot hazards developing, which is one of the most important skills of a safe driver.

#What you'll see

You watch 14 video clips filmed from a driver's point of view. Each shows everyday roads: towns, country lanes, junctions, different weather and times of day.

Each clip has at least one developing hazard. One clip has two. In total there are 15 scoring hazards, worth up to 5 marks each: 75 marks in all.

#What is a developing hazard?

A developing hazard is something that would make you change your speed or direction. For example:

• a car pulling out of a side road ahead
• a pedestrian stepping towards the kerb
• a cyclist moving out to pass a parked car
• a vehicle ahead slowing down to turn

A parked car on its own is a potential hazard. It becomes a developing hazard when something happens: its door starts to open, or someone steps out from behind it.

#How scoring works

The sooner you click after the hazard starts to develop, the more marks you get: from 5 down to 1. If you click before it starts to develop, or after the scoring window has passed, you score 0 for that hazard.

You don't lose marks for clicking at other times. So many people click when they first see a potential hazard, and again as it develops.

Don't click too much. If you click continuously or in a pattern, the system scores that clip as 0. Click when you see something worth reacting to, as you would brake or slow in a real car.

#The pass mark

To pass the car hazard perception test you need 44 out of 75.

#How to get better

• Practise with official clips. DVSA's official apps and online services use the same style of clips as the real test.
• Narrate your drives. As a passenger or on lessons, say out loud what might happen next. It trains you to spot the early clues.
• Look far ahead, then near, then in your mirrors. Hazards rarely appear from nowhere.
• Watch for clues: brake lights, indicators, people near the kerb, children near schools, ice cream vans, bus stops.