DVSA Hazard Awareness — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are driving at night on an unlit road. What should you do if you are dazzled by the headlights of an oncoming vehicle?
- Flash your headlights to signal the other driver
- Look towards the left-hand edge of the road (Correct answer)
- Speed up to get past the oncoming vehicle quickly
- Stare directly at the headlights to judge their distance
Correct answer: Look towards the left-hand edge of the road
If dazzled by oncoming headlights, you should slow down or stop if necessary, and avoid looking directly at the lights. Looking towards the left-hand edge of the road helps you maintain your lane position without being blinded.
Question 2: What is the overall stopping distance at 60 mph on a dry road?
- 53 metres (175 feet)
- 73 metres (240 feet) (Correct answer)
- 96 metres (315 feet)
- 120 metres (394 feet)
Correct answer: 73 metres (240 feet)
At 60 mph, the typical overall stopping distance on a dry road is 73 metres (240 feet). This includes 18 metres thinking distance and 55 metres braking distance. In wet conditions, these distances at least double.
Question 3: You are following a large lorry on a wet road. How should you adjust your following distance?
- Keep the standard two-second gap
- Allow at least a four-second gap (Correct answer)
- Stay close so you can see the road ahead
- Flash your lights to signal the lorry to speed up
Correct answer: Allow at least a four-second gap
On wet roads, you should at least double the two-second gap to four seconds. Large vehicles also create spray that can reduce your visibility significantly, so extra distance gives you a clearer view and more time to react.
Question 4: You notice a vehicle behind you is following very closely. What is the safest response?
- Brake sharply to warn them
- Increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front (Correct answer)
- Speed up to create a gap behind you
- Switch on your rear fog lights
Correct answer: Increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front
If a vehicle is tailgating you, the safest response is to increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front. This gives you more time to brake gently if needed, reducing the risk of the tailgater hitting you from behind.
Question 5: You are approaching a bend and see a warning sign for ice. What should you do?
- Brake firmly before entering the bend and accelerate through it
- Reduce speed well before the bend and avoid harsh braking, steering, or acceleration (Correct answer)
- Maintain your current speed as modern tyres handle ice well
- Use your handbrake to slow down on the bend
Correct answer: Reduce speed well before the bend and avoid harsh braking, steering, or acceleration
When there is ice, you should reduce speed well in advance using engine braking and gentle braking. Any sudden inputs — braking, accelerating, or steering — on ice can cause a loss of control. Slow down before the bend, not during it.
Question 6: What hazard should you be particularly aware of at a junction near a school during term time?
- Heavy goods vehicles delivering supplies
- Parked cars reducing visibility and children crossing unexpectedly (Correct answer)
- Road works near the school entrance
- Cyclists using the bus lane
Correct answer: Parked cars reducing visibility and children crossing unexpectedly
Near schools during term time, parked cars from parents dropping off or collecting children can severely restrict visibility. Children may also dash across the road unexpectedly, especially at the start and end of the school day.
DVSA Hazard Awareness
You are driving at night on an unlit road.
What should you do if you are dazzled by the headlights of an oncoming vehicle?