Different Hazards in The Theory Test

Depending on where you are driving will make a big difference to the types of hazards that you encounter. There are always a few exceptions to the rule, but here are a few examples of what you might expect.

Different types of hazards in residential areas (Built up)

In some residential areas, you may see a 20mph speed limit in force, mainly to ensure you can stop in time. It is vital that you take extra care when driving through built up areas, as you can expect to see plenty of pedestrians, cyclists and parked cars. Rather than just looking directly down the road, try to scan the area paying special attention to parked cars that could be hiding a small child about to run out into the road.

Below are just some of the different types of hazards that you can expect to see when driving in residential areas:

• Vehicles emerging from junctions
• Car doors opening
• Vehicles moving off or coming out of driveways
• Pedestrians
• School crossing patrols
• Children running out from between parked cars or playing at the side of the road
• Animals running out into the road (mainly cats and dogs)
• Cyclists and motorcyclists

Different types of hazards in country lanes

You must take special care when travelling on country lanes. In most cases the speed limit is much higher than in residential areas, so vehicles will be travelling at a much higher speed. You will also find that your visibility is greatly restricted due to narrow lanes, overgrown hedges and sharp bends. It is vital that you adjust your speed to suit the road you are travelling on and don’t feel pressurised to drive at the speed limit that has been set.

Below are just some of the different types of hazards that you can expect to see when driving on country lanes:

• Narrow country lanes, possible only wide enough for one vehicle
• Sharp bends
• Blind junctions covered by overgrown trees and shrubs
• Unmarked junctions
• Horses
• Cyclists
• Pedestrians walking on the opposite side of the road.
• Farm animals
• Slow moving vehicles, such as tractors.

Practise your Hazard Perception skills

Check out our blog to make sure you aren't clicking the Hazard Perception clips!

You can use a Hazard Perception App to revise whilst on the move, or if you would prefer to download your hazard perception clips, check out Driving Test Success Hazard Perception.

This will run on your Windows PC, laptop or netbook and will provide you with the vital experience and confidence you need to pass the Hazard Perception part of the Theory Test.