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Charlotte Haye 23rd May 2018

HGV Theory: Hazard Perception Tips

So today, we thought we would address the hazard perception portion of the HGV theory test. Hazard perception makes up the second part of the two-part exam; candidates must score at least 67 to pass it. Testing the ability to perceive developing hazards involves 19 videos viewed on a computer screen. In 18 of those videos, there is one developing hazard that the candidate is expected to identify as quickly as possible. One of the videos contains two developing hazards. Today, we wanted to bring you 5 tips to help you through your hazard perception test.

Study Developing Hazards

Our first tip should be an obvious one – understand what developing hazards are, and what they look like. Randomly clicking on the screen and hoping won’t get you very far, so this bit is vitally important. The DVLA defines a developing hazard as ‘something that would cause you to take action, like changing speed or direction.’ They then give the following example:

“A car is parked at the side of the road and isn’t doing anything. It wouldn’t cause you to take action, so it’s not a developing hazard. When you get closer, the car’s right-hand indicator starts to flash and it starts to move away. You’d need to slow down, so it’s now a developing hazard.”

With this criteria, you can start looking for developing hazards in practice tests, and while out on the road. This will make it much easier for you to identify them ding your test.

Take Practice Tests

There is nothing better than practice, particularly if you’re preparing for a test. Practice tests have been proven to increase pass rates in both normal and HGV driving tests and they’re a great way to ensure you’re fully prepared for the real thing. When you sign up for training with Easy as HGV, we provide you with free software and training that includes a variety of practice tests. We encourage you to take them – and more. As many as you can.

Get Plenty Of Rest

You need to be on top of your game when you take your hazard perception test. That means being sharp, alert, awake and well rested. So the night before your test, make sure you get a good nights sleep and eat a good breakfast in the morning. This will help you spot things quicker, and be more aware of what’s going on. So turn off the TV, disconnect from social media and get yourself an early night.

Leave Your Phone At Home

As hard as it might be, one of the best things you can do is leave your phone at home. It provides a massive distraction before the test, and the last thing you need during the test are texts and push notifications to distract you. If you absolutely can’t leave your phone at home (and we know for some people it just isn’t practical), at least make sure you turn it off as soon as you go into the test centre. That means you can be completely focussed during your test.

Avoid Randomly Clicking

If you’re unsure or just nervous, you might be tempted to just start randomly clicking on things on the screen, hoping for the best. But while this scattergun approach might seem like a good idea, but in reality, it will do nothing more than cost you points. The more often you click, the worse your score will be. This is because the computer software used assumes that excessive random clicking means you’re guessing rather than knowing what to look for, and ultimately it will fail.

At the end of the day, the HGV theory test is not easy to pass if you don’t prepare for it, and that’s a really good thinking. We wouldn’t want HGV drivers who could pass an easy test. Instead, it’s designed to test your expert skills and knowledge, and ensure you can identify hazards and operate an HGV safely. If you’re thinking about getting your commercial driving license, we can help. At Easy as HGV, we can help you through the entire process, from start to finish. Our expert trainers are on hand to deliver practical and theory training, and support you through your hazard perception test. For more information, please just get in touch with us today.

Charlotte Haye

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