HPT test: a prerequisite to the driving test
So you must be one of those crazy car fans who love to drive. Knowing to drive comes with great responsibilities, you have to prepare for several tests in order to get your hands on a driving license; such as the hazard perception test. So basically why is an HPT test so necessary? A hazard perception test encourages new drivers to recognize that threats can arise anywhere and at any time.
Scheduling a test
The hazard perception test is categorized under the theory test. It is mandatory you have a provisional driving license before you schedule your test. The test consists of the following:
(i) MCQs
(ii) Hazard perception test- a test which is composed of a video in which you need to watch out for typical hazards on the road.
You register for and take them all at once. It is necessary to pass both the sections in order to pass the test.
What is the hazard perception test?
Certain videos are crafted to showcase actual potential hazards you might encounter daily on the road. You have to look out for these hazards in a video and click your mouse accordingly to display you are cautious as quickly as possible before you fall right into the tricky trap.
Cooperations of the DVSA
If there are certain complications such as reading issues, any disability, or any medical issue, the DVSA is willing to cooperate by giving you extra time for reading, making someone read for you, or providing you with headphones or services to read for you, supporting you accordingly.
What is a hazard?
According to the road, a hazard can be anything as insignificant as a rock. A parked car, a motorcycle, anything that will cause you to slow down, stop or swerve sideways.
Watch out for any potential hazards
Rooting for a hazard is not really necessary only when you are watching the video clips during your test, it can also be done as a passenger by the driver’s seat to be fully aware of your surroundings and to be safe, when you are not giving the test. This can help you be more cautious and alert of your area and help you get your license much more easily.
Clicking continuously- A fail
Giving a hazard perception test is not a piece of cake. You have no second chances to undo your clicks. There might be several hurdles in the clips that might seem like a hazard to you. Clicking too much will get you failed at the end of the test with a zero score. Similarly, clicking less than usual will also get you nowhere.
One clip- Two hazards
Out of the 14 clips which have 1 hazard each, and identifying them will get you 5 points, one of the 14 videos actually has two hazards in it which are worth 10 points. What’s more exciting? There’s no advance warning as to when the two-hazard clip might start playing so basically this entails being extremely alert during the test to identify hazards to pass the test.
Winding up
HPT test doesn’t require much but determination, attention and a bit of patience. Not only does it require passing the HPT test but also the theory test to get a hand on your license.
