Hazard Perception Makeover

Preparation for your intensive driving course in Bristol or Bath involves passing your theory test. See the latest info from DVSA on the new test format

 

 

  From:

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency

First published:

18 December 2014

Last updated:

9 January 2015 , see all updates

Part of:

Making roads safer and Transport

New computer-generated imagery (CGI) clips replaced old filmed clips in the hazard perception part of the theory test on 12 January 2015.

The test was made up of filmed video clips which showed everyday road scenes.
Those clips were still relevant, but the image quality wasn’t as clear or defined as modern technology allows.

Differences in the new clips

The new clips show the same situations as the previous clips, but they:

• look clearer on the screen
• include updated vehicles, roads and surroundings so they look modern

An old-style video clip (left) and an updated CGI clip (right)

No change to how the test works

The way that the hazard perception part of the theory test works hasn’t changed. The pass mark has stayed the same.
The clips:

• feature everyday road scenes
• contain at least one ‘developing hazard’ - but one of the clips will feature 2 ‘developing hazards’

A developing hazard is something that may result in you having to take some action, like changing speed or direction.

Test type	Number of clips	Number of developing hazards	Pass mark
Car and motorcycle	14	15	44 out of 75
Lorry, bus and coach	19	20	67 out of 100
Approved driving instructor part 1	14	15	57 out of 75

Watch this video to see an example of a CGI clip and to find out how the test works.

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Find out more about how the theory test works

Learning materials still relevant

Any products that you’ve been using to help you practise the hazard perception part of the test are still relevant.
You don’t need to have practised with CGI clips in order to take and pass the test.

DVSA produces official learning materials to help you prepare, and products are also available from other providers.

Buy ‘The Official DVSA Guide to Hazard Perception DVD ROM’ or ‘The Official DVSA Theory Test Kit for Car Drivers’ iPhone app.

Updated clips trialled before being introduced

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) trialled the updated clips to make sure that learner drivers could use them without problems.
The trial was successful. It found that candidates who watched the new introduction clip about how the test works were more likely to spot the developing hazards.
The research, which was carried out with the University of Nottingham’s Accident Research Unit, found that the updated clips are just as good as the traditional video-based test.

Developing clips in the future

By using CGI clips, DVSA can introduce clips in the future which show situations with vulnerable road users - like children, cyclists, and motorcyclists - without risk.

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