The
hazard perception test (HPT) explained
New
drivers are disproportionately involved
in accidents, especially in the first months
after passing a driving test. It has been
proven that drivers who have taken hazard
perception training have much better hazard
perception skills.
Why
the hazard perception element was introduced
The
government is committed to reducing
the numbers killed and seriously injured
on Britains roads by 40 per cent by
2010. The hazard perception element
was introduced into the driving test
in November 2002 as one of the measures
that should help achieve this target
by encouraging appropriate training
in scanning the road, recognising at
the first opportunity from the clues
that a potentially dangerous situation
might arise and adopting a driving plan
to reduce the risk.
During
the development of this test, the Driving
Standards Agency (DSA) worked closely
with colleagues from the Transport Research
Laboratory (TRL) and the road safety
division of the Department for Transport,
both of whom thought this test suitable
for testing the hazard awareness skills
of all drivers.
How
the test works
The
hazard perception part is delivered
on a computer and you respond by clicking
a button on the mouse. You will be presented
with a series of 14 video clips which
feature every day road scenes, in each
clip there will be at least one developing
hazard, but one of the clips will feature
two developing hazards.
To
achieve a high score you will need to
respond to the developing hazard during
the early part of its development. The
maximum you can score on each hazard
is five.
Recognition
of available clues and perception of
danger are skills that are necessary
in all drivers and riders, irrespective
of the vehicle used. For this reason,
the same version of the hazard perception
test is used for all categories of test.
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An
example of when to respond
As
an example, of how to identify and respond to a developing
hazard, consider a parked vehicle on the side of the road.
When you first see it, it is not doing anything; it is
just a parked vehicle. If you were to respond to the vehicle
at this point, you would not score any marks, but you
would not lose any marks.
However,
when you get closer to the vehicle, you notice that the
cars right hand indicator starts to flash. The indicator
would lead you to believe that the driver of the vehicle
has an intention of moving away, therefore the hazard
is now developing and a response at this point would score
marks. The indicator coming on is a sign that the parked
vehicle has changed its status from a potential hazard
into a developing hazard.
When
you get closer to the vehicle, you will probably see the
vehicle start to move away from the side of the road;
another response should be made at this point. Different
clips in the test will have various signs to indicate
that the hazard is changing its status and is now starting
to develop.
How
the test is scored
The
maximum you can score for each developing hazard is five
points. If you respond throughout the developing hazard
and score different points you will always score the highest
number of points ie if you react and score five then three
then two points you will be awarded five points.
You
will not be able to review your answers to the hazard
perception test; as on the road, you will only have one
chance to respond to the developing hazard, so you will
need to concentrate throughout each clip.
If
you react inappropriately during the video clip by clicking
continuously or in a pattern of responses you will score
zero for that clip. At the end of the clip a pop-up box
will appear informing you that you have scored zero for
that particular clip.
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