The hazard perception test is one of the most challenging parts of the UK driving theory test. It’s the section where many learners lose marks, often by just a few seconds of reaction time. It’s not about guessing or clicking randomly; it’s about learning how to spot developing hazards in real time, just like you would when driving on real roads.

At Drivewiser.uk, we help learner drivers build confidence and pass their DVSA theory and hazard perception tests first time. This guide will help you recognise developing hazards, time your responses accurately, and avoid common pitfalls that lead to lower scores.

Key Insights

• Recognise the change: A hazard becomes developing only when it starts to affect your driving path - for example, a vehicle pulling out or a pedestrian stepping off the kerb.

• Click at the right moment: Respond as soon as the hazard begins to develop. Too early or too late, and you’ll lose points.

• Avoid rhythm-clicking: Click naturally once or twice when the hazard genuinely develops. Repetitive patterns can score zero.

• Practise with feedback: Use official-style clips (like those in the Drivewiser app) to review timing and improve your reactions.

What is The Hazard Perception Test?

The hazard perception test is the second part of your DVSA theory test, after the multiple-choice questions. It’s designed to assess how quickly you can spot developing dangers while driving.

During the test, you’ll watch 14 video clips filmed from a driver’s point of view. Each clip shows everyday road scenes, and each one contains at least one developing hazard.

Your job? Click when you see a hazard beginning to develop.

What is a Developing Hazard?

A developing hazard is any situation where you would need to change speed or direction - for example, a car pulling out, a cyclist swerving, or a pedestrian stepping off the pavement.

A potential hazard only becomes ‘developing’ once it begins to affect your driving path.

Common Examples Include

• A vehicle emerging from a junction

• A pedestrian crossing between parked cars

• A cyclist moving into your lane

• A lorry pulling out from a side road

Learner Scenario - Spotting The Change

Example: Leila was practising with a clip showing a side road. She clicked when she saw a parked van but scored zero points. Why? Because the hazard wasn’t yet developing. The correct moment was when the van’s indicator came on and it began to move out - that’s when the hazard developed.

Recognising that precise moment of change is key to scoring four or five points per clip.

How the Scoring Works

Each developing hazard is worth up to 5 points, depending on how early you click when it starts to develop.

• Spot it early → 5 points

• Spot it late → fewer points

• Click too early or too often → possible zero points

There are 15 hazards to spot across 14 clips, one of the clips has two developing hazards. The pass mark is 44 out of 75.

At Drivewiser.uk, our practice clips are built around real DVSA examples, helping you learn how hazards form and when to click for maximum points.

Quick Tips to Pass Your Hazard Perception Test

Don’t Click Randomly

Clicking too often or repeatedly through the clip might make the system think you’re cheating. Instead:

• Click once when you first see something change,

• Then click again if the situation develops further.

Think of it as “spot, confirm, commit” - this keeps your clicks natural and consistent.

Learn Common Hazard Types

Certain types of hazards appear frequently in DVSA tests. Make sure you can identify them quickly:

• Pedestrians near crossings or stepping off pavements

• Cyclists swerving or signalling

• Cars emerging from side roads

• Emergency vehicles approaching

• Children or animals near the road

• Parked vehicles blocking your view

At Drivewiser.uk, our practice tests cover all these hazard types so you’re ready for any scenario.

Keep Your Eyes Moving

The test rewards observation, not just quick reactions. Make sure you're scanning the whole screen constantly. Look at:

• The road ahead

• Pavements and junctions

• Mirrors and side areas

Think about what’s coming next. If a van blocks your view, anticipate that something could appear from behind it. This habit also improves your real-world driving skills, making you safer on the road.

Stay Calm and Focused

Many learners panic during the test and over-click or freeze up. The clips are paced naturally, so take your time and react just as you would when driving.

Remember:

• Don’t double-click unnecessarily.

• Don’t rush your first click.

• Don’t let one bad clip ruin your confidence for the rest.

If you miss a hazard, move on - there’s always another chance to score points.

Know What to Expect on Test Day

When you sit your theory test, the hazard perception section comes immediately after the multiple-choice questions.

You’ll get:

• One practice clip first, to help you get used to the system.

• Then 14 scored clips, with one containing two hazards.

You can’t pause, rewind, or replay clips so stay focused throughout. After completing the test, you’ll get your result immediately. If you pass both parts, you can book your practical driving test straight away.

How to Practise Effectively

Building reaction accuracy takes consistent, mindful practice. Focus on quality rather than quantity.

Step-by-step practice routine

1. Watch three to five clips daily. Focus on different hazard types (pedestrian, junction, cyclist, etc.).

2. Replay each clip. Identify the exact point the hazard began to develop.

3. Compare your timing with the scoring window shown in the app.

4. Note your weak spots. Are you slower on rural or urban clips?

Tip: Practise Hazard Awareness While Out Driving

Even before your test, you can improve hazard perception during your driving lessons by asking your instructor to help you practise hazard identification:

• Spot parked cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and junctions early

• Say out loud what you see developing

• Notice when your instructor needs to brake or steer, and make sure you understand why

Pro tip:The Drivewiser app includes official-style clips with timing feedback so you can see how close your clicks are to the top score.

Bonus Tip: Use Official and Trusted Resources Only

There are lots of unofficial apps and websites that use poor-quality clips or inaccurate scoring systems. Always choose official or approved resources.

The best options are:

• The DVSA official app and website

• Drivewiser.uk for realistic practice, free hazard perception tips, and progress tracking

This ensures you’re learning in the right format and using clips identical to the real test.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Mistake: Clicking too soon. Instead, wait for visible movement or a change that affects your path.

• Mistake: Clicking in a pattern. Do this instead: Click naturally when the hazard starts to develop.

• Mistake: Losing focus after one hazard. Do this instead: Stay alert - one clip has two hazards.

• Mistake: Not reviewing practice clips. Do this instead: Replay and note where you clicked compared to the optimal moment.

FAQs 

Q: What is the hazard perception test?
A: It’s the second part of the UK theory test where you watch 14 video clips and click when a hazard develops - a situation that would cause you to change speed or direction.

Q: How is the hazard perception test scored?
A: You can earn up to five points per hazard depending on how early you click within the scoring window. The pass mark is 44 out of 75.

Q: Can I click more than once?
A: Yes. Click once or twice when you genuinely see a hazard developing. Avoid rhythmic or excessive clicking.

Q: How can I practise effectively?
A: Use official-style clips, like those in the Drivewiser app, and review your feedback to refine your timing.

Q: Are the clips real or animated?
A: They’re filmed from a driver’s viewpoint using real UK roads to reflect real driving conditions.

Final Thoughts

The hazard perception test is about becoming a safer, more aware driver. By practising regularly, staying focused, and learning how hazards develop, you’ll not only pass first time but also drive more confidently in real life.

At Drivewiser.uk, we give learner drivers the tools to practise smarter, improve hazard awareness, and pass with confidence.
Start practising today and take one step closer to getting your full UK driving licence.