Hazard Perception

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 29 January 2007 16:32:52

I received quite a few comments regarding the Hazard Perception part of the test. The following was written by Dave Thomas of the Driving Instructors Democratic Union (DIDU) It was originally on the union Discussion Forum, but as only registered users can read it, he has very kindly given me permission to post it here. Those of you who have sat the HP test will appreciate this. I think it's hilarious...

Now that I've I have passed the ADI HPT, (third time lucky!) I've added spice to my lessons. I've been out practising my new skills by helping my pupils, which, according to DSA, was the real purpose of the ADI HPT.

Right, today's lesson is going to concentrate on Hazard Perception. I know you passed the HP test, but this lesson will reinforce what you learnt from it.

Now before you set off, we need to make a few adjustments. please put these headphones on so you cannot hear other traffic around you.
OK, they look fine.

Now, tilt your door mirrors down so you cannot see anything to your right or left, and I will put this inside mirror up like that. Can you see anything out of it now? No. That's set then.

OK, you can move off when you are ready. No please don't check the blind spot. You can't do that in the HP test.

Now then, tell me what you can see ahead. No, I didn't mean that cyclist. He's too far ahead. We don't think about him being a hazard until he wobbles in front of you and makes you brake.

Did you see that Lady on the zebra crossing then? Yes I heard you click the button but that just squirts water onto the back window. Never mind, she managed to run across before you got to her.
OK, rather than keep clicking the button and wasting the water, say CLICK out loud when you see a hazard.

No, sorry, you are cheating now. You can't keep saying click rhythmically like that. I'm going to have to add another two lessons to your training for that. Why?, well that's how the HP test works. Cheat and it costs you.

Right, now we are out onto the country road section, what are you looking for in particular? Well OK, but animals in general, rather than turkeys. Yes, I did know that there are over 40,000 of them on the roads, although some have recently been killed off because of their poor HP skills.

No, that farmer does not know me. I think he's waving to tell you to slow down rather than scattering his sheep all over the place. Well, yes you did say click, but no it isn't about scoring points by seeing how many you can hit.
The points were just for the HP video game, not real life.

I think we'll call it a day for now, you seem to be getting upset. Well, I know you didn't do too well this time, but we can give it another go next week, can't we? OK it's going to cost you more, I appreciate that, but it isn't my fault you have been misled into thinking that passing the video game means you have good HP skills.

Same time next week?