Hazard Perception Test
The hazard perception test is the second part of the driving theory test set by the DVSA, first introduced in 2002. It is a computer-based test which measures a driver’s ability to recognise and react, in advance, to events developing on the pavement or road, thereby reducing the risk of having to take emergency action. Often considered the hardest part of the theory test, the Hazard Perception Test can throw you off. Take the free online practice quizzes that are just like the official state HPT tests. Sit & Pass the Test. The hazard perception test is an assessment of our sensors, and they are usually quoting being hard. During the perception test, you are challenged with twelve clips that include a car driving off the road like in a simulator. About the Hazard Perception Test (HPT) The HPT is a computer-based test featuring a series of video clips of traffic situations. The test will be used to measure your ability to assess road hazards and make safe driving decisions.
Potential hazards vs developing hazards
You might be wondering ‘do you have to click on the hazard in hazard perception’? Well, to answer that you’ll need to know the difference between a potential hazard and a developing hazard, because you only need to click if and when a hazard starts to develop.
Clicking on a potential hazard
Clicking on a potential hazard won’t give you any points, so don’t just click every time you see a pedestrian walking down the road or a car waiting at a junction. You will need to wait until that pedestrian looks like they’re going to walk out into the road or the car starts to move - that’s when the potential hazard has become a developing hazard.
The click window
There will be a window of time in which you need to click, beginning as soon as a potential hazard turns into a developing hazard, and ending when it becomes a full-blown hazard (e.g. the pedestrian has walked into the road or the car has pulled out in front of you). The sooner you click within this window, the more points you earn. Clicking once the hazard has already developed fully will also score you a 0. You will know that your click has been registered because a red flag will appear in the bottom corner of the screen.
We’ve already mentioned that how many clicks hazard perception candidates do overall won’t necessarily affect their score negatively (unless they’re clicking continuously), so don’t be afraid to click a few times per hazard as you might have clicked just before the scoring window opened. It’s better to click a few too many times than too few.
To get a better idea of what to expect in your hazard perception test, watch our short video:
The Hazard Perception Test measures how well you can recognise potentially dangerous situations when driving and how you’d react to them. The questions are, therefore, designed around the most common road issues that contribute to accidents.
As a Learner Driver, you must pass the Hazard Perception Test before you can apply for a P1 licence.
So, what’s the hazard perception test like?
It’s a computer-based touch screen test that must be done in person at a Department of Transport service area. Tests must be booked in advance which you can do on the relevant state website or by phone.
The tests are designed as video clips of real-life traffic situations. The video clips are from the driver’s perspective.
How long is the HPT valid for? Does the test expire?
After passing the HPT, if you wait more than 15 months to pass the driving test, then you’ll have to resit the HPT. (In VIC, it’s 12 months).
Some states (like hazard perception test NSW) have made adjustments to the requirements to do the HPT. So, if you got your P1 before November 20, 2017, you won’t need to do the HPT. If not, you’ll need to do the test before renewing your P1 or upgrading to a P2.
But every Australian driver will have to have done the HPT at least once in their life.
Each initial test comes at a fee (like $23.60 in Western Australia). HPT resits are also at a cost, though not as expensive as the initial test.
What can I do to prepare?
You can always read the handbook for your state. (Here, you’ll see the NSW Roads & Maritime Hazard Perception Handbook which outlines what you can expect on the test.) However, the best way to get ready for the HPT is to practice online quizzes.
Hazard Perception Test Vic
The online hazard perception test practise questions (like the ones on this site) are designed to be just like the real quiz. So, you can practice as often as you need until you’re ready to sit and pass the real thing.