DTT Hazard Awareness — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of hazard perception in driving?
- To identify potential dangers early and take action to avoid them (Correct answer)
- To drive as fast as possible to reduce time on the road
- To memorise the location of all road signs
- To pass the driving test
Correct answer: To identify potential dangers early and take action to avoid them
Hazard perception is about scanning the road environment continuously to identify developing hazards early, giving you more time to react and take appropriate action to avoid collisions or dangerous situations.
Question 2: You are driving on a residential street and see a ball rolling onto the road from behind a parked car. What hazard should you anticipate?
- A child may follow the ball onto the road (Correct answer)
- The ball might damage your car
- A dog might chase the ball
- Nothing — a ball is not a hazard
Correct answer: A child may follow the ball onto the road
A ball rolling onto the road is a classic predictor that a child may follow it without looking for traffic. You should immediately slow down, cover the brake, and be prepared to stop, especially in residential areas.
Question 3: When driving in heavy rain, your stopping distance compared to dry conditions is approximately:
- Doubled (Correct answer)
- The same
- Increased by 25%
- Tripled
Correct answer: Doubled
In wet conditions, stopping distances are approximately doubled because tyres have less grip on wet road surfaces. This means you should at least double your following distance and reduce speed.
Question 4: What is aquaplaning and what should you do if it occurs?
- When tyres lose contact with the road surface due to a layer of water; ease off the accelerator and do not brake sharply or steer suddenly (Correct answer)
- When the engine overheats from driving through water; pull over immediately
- When the windscreen fogs up in rain; turn on the air conditioning
- When water enters the exhaust; rev the engine to clear it
Correct answer: When tyres lose contact with the road surface due to a layer of water; ease off the accelerator and do not brake sharply or steer suddenly
Aquaplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tyres and road surface, causing loss of traction and steering control. If it happens, ease off the accelerator gently, hold the steering wheel straight, and avoid sudden braking or steering inputs.
Question 5: You notice a lorry ahead indicating to change lanes on a motorway. What hazard should you be aware of?
- The lorry has large blind spots and the driver may not have seen you; give it plenty of space (Correct answer)
- The lorry will stop before changing lanes
- Lorries always have priority when changing lanes
- You should speed up to pass before it changes lanes
Correct answer: The lorry has large blind spots and the driver may not have seen you; give it plenty of space
Large vehicles have significant blind spots (areas the driver cannot see in mirrors). When a lorry indicates, maintain awareness that the driver may not see you, give it space, and be prepared for it to move into your lane.
Question 6: What increased hazard should you expect when driving past a school during arrival or departure times?
- Children crossing the road unpredictably, parked cars reducing visibility, and parents stopping suddenly (Correct answer)
- Higher speed limits apply near schools
- Schools have no effect on road conditions
- Only bus traffic increases near schools
Correct answer: Children crossing the road unpredictably, parked cars reducing visibility, and parents stopping suddenly
School zones during arrival and departure times present multiple hazards: children crossing unpredictably, reduced visibility from parked cars, vehicles stopping suddenly, and doors opening. Speed limits of 30 km/h often apply near schools.
DTT Hazard Awareness
What is the primary purpose of hazard perception in driving?