How to Pass Your Motorcycle Hazard Perception Test

One of the most important skills to develop when riding a motorcycle on the road, is the ability to spot (and avoid) potential hazards. This is something you continue to hone all the time you are riding. However this ‘ability' is also tested as part of the Motorcycle Theory Test, which learners need to pass before taking practical training for the Full Motorcycle Licence Course. 

Why Hazard Awareness is Important For Riders

Before we dive into the tips and tricks, let’s take a moment to understand why this test is so important.

Motorcyclists are more vulnerable on the road than other drivers. Spotting hazards early can mean the difference between a safe ride and an accident. That’s why the government introduced the Hazard Perception Test back in 2002 – to ensure new riders have the right awareness skills before hitting the road.

What is the Motorcycle Hazard Perception Test?

The Hazard Perception Test is part of the motorcycle theory test and consists of fourteen video clips that replicate real-world riding scenarios. Each clip contains at least one developing hazard.

One of the clips will contain two hazards, meaning there are 15 hazards in total. Unlike the multiple-choice Q&A part of the theory test, where the answers are either right or wrong, the ‘HPT’ is scored by a computer algorithm based on the time it takes you to spot the hazards in the video as they unfold.

At the start of the test, you’ll be shown a sample clip to help you understand the format. Then, as the videos play, your task is simple: click as soon as you spot a developing hazard. But be careful - excessive clicking can harm your score. There’s a system in place to prevent people from randomly clicking to guess hazards, so too many clicks or patterns of clicks means no points for that video.

Your test will last around 20 minutes, and you’ll need to score at least 44 out of 75 to pass. If you don’t pass, you’ll need to rebook and pass your theory (both the multichoice and hazard perception) before you can take your practical training.

What Counts As a Developing Hazard?

A developing hazard is something where you need to take action (slow, brake or change direction). For example, a car pulling out from their drive, a pedestrian crossing the road infront of you, or a large vehicle moving into your lane.

The fourteen videos that make up the test are designed to mimic the various real-life hazards that you may encounter when riding on the road. The practical reality of the test is that you click the mouse as soon as you see a developing hazard whilst the computer calculates the time it has taken you to react to the footage. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preparing For the Motorbike Hazard Perception Test

Use the Practice Video On The Day

At the start of the test you are shown a sample clip so that you understand how the test works. At the minimum, you should use this to get into the right headspace for the test.

Watch the DVSA's YouTube Video

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) have a YouTube video which explains exactly what will happen during the test and what to expect, so you won't be met with any surprises on the day.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Thankfully, you have plenty of options to try 'mock' versions of the Hazard Perception Test online and in apps, so there's no excuse for not being prepared! Do as many of these as you can.

If you are already a driver or cyclist you should spot these hazards very easily, but if you don’t drive, as a passenger just start paying attention to what other road users are doing and what road layouts and terrain may contribute to potential hazards. Commentating in your head whilst travelling is an excellent method of practice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top Tips For Passing the Hazard Perception Test First Time

To recap: quite simply you watch each of the videos in turn and click the mouse button as soon as you see a developing hazard developing.

Understand What a Developing Hazard is

People who are used to riding on the road, whether a cyclist, CBT rider or a motorist, may be pretty good at spotting potential hazards. All that practice means they are quicker to spot potential hazards. They may have an issue on the day of actually clicking too early, and therefore not scoring any points.

Make sure you only click on developing hazards, not just potential ones. Remember: a developing hazard is one that would cause you to take an action (braking, slowing or changing direction. For example, a child playing with their football on the pavement is a potential hazard, but won't need you to click, the moment this turns into a developing hazard, i.e. the ball goes into the road and the child runs after it, you click.

Don't Mash the Mouse

Don't think you can just mash the mouse button in the hope it coincides with the hazard. It will actually harm your score as there is a limit on the amount of clicks you can make. Clicking excessively or too patterned will get you 0 points for that video.

Make Sure You're Clicking Enough

Conversely not enough clicks will indicate to the computer that you have very little awareness. It’s pretty much impossible to fool, so just be sensible and concentrate.

If you're worried about clicking too early, click half a second after your initial click to cover your bases.

Remember How Many Hazards There Are

Every clip will have one hazard, but once you've found it, don't just lose focus. Remember that one of the clips will have two hazards, so if you've clocked out after the first, you won't get the maximum points for that clip.

Practice Even More

We've mentioned this before but it's worth mentioning again, since practicing versions of the Hazard Perception is the best way to improve your odds of passing first time.

There are many options online for practicing clicking when spotting a developing hazard, which can give you feedback on whether you are clicking too early or too late. Understanding when you are meant to click doesn't necessarily come naturally, so practicing the timing is crucial.

You can even check if your local library has the practice CDs to borrow for free. 

Take the Break in between the Q&A and Hazard Perception

You have the option of a three-minute break after finishing your Q&A portion of the motorcycle theory, before starting the hazard perception test. We suggest you use it to just take a deep breath and go into the hazard portion fresh. You don’t have to use the full time allocation if you don’t want it.

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You will be handed your results on the day for both the Q&A and HPT upon completion. Then it's time to visit RideTo and find your nearest partner training school to book your lessons.

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