“Awareness to spot potential road hazards when driving is crucial for your driving safety. You need to constantly scan the road situation and adjust your speed and position to ensure you can react in time and avert the impending danger.”
Labelled as a crucial part of your road safety; this video-based hazard perception test is included in the “Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).” And to clear it, participants should reach a particular standard by answering all vital questions correctly. One way to do that would be to prepare for your driving test properly and knowing what to expect prior to turning up for this theoretical examination.
Digging Deeper Into HPT:-
The HPT incorporates a Q and A section for their theory test- which is slightly different from the other tests. In contrast to most Q and A which consist of correct and incorrect answers, HPT follows a computer analysis of the exact time you take to react to occurrences which unfold on a series of videos.
The whole point of this test is meant to provide different real-life roadside dangers which you may possibly confront when driving solo after clearing your test. You will need to spot the crucial moments in the video and click on them as soon as possible to prevent them from turning into tricky situations.
Believe it or not, but passing the HPT is one big step to getting your driving licence. So, if you are keen on getting your legitimate licence, then “Academy Of Driving Excellence”- your reliable driving school in St. Kilda offers you 5 crucial tips to clear this test.
Step 1:- Take comprehensive driving lessons from our instructors:-
Learn how our instructor identifies and responds to those potential roadside hazards. Their student-focused instructions will allow you to develop higher-order skills (such as Hazard Perception and situational awareness). They will also teach you about proper vehicle handling, various road-side rules to follow and adjustments to make as per the surrounding.
Step 2:- Determining Potential or Developing Road Hazards Early :-
Not every road hazard is easy to identify. While some happen due to situational factors, others gradually develop unexpectedly, over time. Example- a visibly drunk driver moving in the same direction may not be an immediate hazard. But if they are forced to react to some road incident and makes you react in turn, that is considered as an unexpected incident.
Similarly, when driving in wet conditions- you should be aware of the immediate road-side hazard of reduced traction and increased stopping distance from the vehicle. You also need to be aware of those large potholes, floods as it can be hard to control your vehicle on a wet surface but nearly impossible to control it when it is hydroplaning.
Step 3:-Learning To Prioritise Hazards:-
Reacting to something which you perceive as a threat is your natural instinct. However, our driving instructor in St Kilda states – ‘it may seem a bit premature.’
They further state:- ‘At times not reacting at all, could be the best reaction as it can result in a bigger hazard. That is why it is important to prioritise hazards.
Example- When you accelerating on a freeway and an animal runs in front of you- your reaction should be proportional to the level of danger presented by that animal. In this case, reacting to the hazard may save the animal’s life and also prevent a nasty accident.
Contrarily, a small bird flying pass you may not be an immediate threat to your vehicle- even if you are travelling at pace. But suddenly reacting to it may cause you to lose control over your vehicle and even endanger other drivers.
Step 4- Staying Calm & Composed When Driving:-
To identify hazards; you need to stay calm, collected and keep your eyes on the road ahead. It is always better to err on the side of caution than react incorrectly to a hazard when driving. Doing so, not only saves you from breaking the law but also safeguards you from posing a hazard to yourself. So, stay relaxed, scan the road properly and keep an open eye for all potential hazards.
Step 5:- Aim To Have No Trace Of Intoxicating Substances In Your System:-
Being one of the key lessons we teach our learners; never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or addictive medicines. This is regardless of driving on a freeway or sitting for a hazard perception test. It decreases your reaction time, influences your ability to make the right decision and hinders your chances of passing your HPT.
Now that you know how to clear your HPT with confidence enrol for our ‘Safe’ driving lessons in St. Kilda starting from just $44.
Call us @ 0425 749 703 and speak to us whenever convenient!
