DVSA Hazard Perception 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What clue might suggest a vehicle is about to pull out from a side road?
- The vehicle has its boot open
- The vehicle's wheels are turned towards you, or you can see the driver looking your way (Correct answer)
- The vehicle is parked with its engine off
- The vehicle has a flat tyre
Correct answer: The vehicle's wheels are turned towards you, or you can see the driver looking your way
Turned wheels indicate the driver intends to move. If you can see the driver looking in your direction, they may be judging a gap in traffic. Other clues include exhaust smoke (engine running), brake lights releasing, or the vehicle creeping forward.
Question 2: What is the danger of 'target fixation' while driving?
- Looking at your speedometer too often
- Staring at a hazard instead of looking where you want to steer, increasing the chance of hitting it (Correct answer)
- Focusing on your destination arrival time
- Watching other vehicles too closely
Correct answer: Staring at a hazard instead of looking where you want to steer, increasing the chance of hitting it
Target fixation occurs when you focus on an object you want to avoid (like a pothole or oncoming vehicle) and inadvertently steer towards it. Instead, look where you want to go — your hands will follow your eyes. This is especially important in emergency situations.
Question 3: When emerging from a junction, why should you look twice in each direction?
- Because the Highway Code requires exactly two looks
- Because a fast-moving vehicle or cyclist may not have been visible on your first look (Correct answer)
- Because it improves your posture
- Because traffic lights take time to change
Correct answer: Because a fast-moving vehicle or cyclist may not have been visible on your first look
A second look catches things you may have missed: a fast-approaching vehicle, a cyclist hidden by a pillar, or a pedestrian who has just stepped into the road. The situation changes in the seconds between looks, so a second check provides crucial updated information.
Question 4: What hazard perception risk do large vehicles such as lorries pose at roundabouts?
- They always have priority
- They may need to straddle lanes to negotiate the roundabout, and they have larger blind spots (Correct answer)
- They travel faster than cars on roundabouts
- They are always in the left lane
Correct answer: They may need to straddle lanes to negotiate the roundabout, and they have larger blind spots
Large vehicles need more room to turn and may need to occupy more than one lane on a roundabout. Their size creates larger blind spots, meaning the driver may not see you. Give them plenty of room and do not try to squeeze past. Watch their indicators carefully.
Question 5: When driving in rain, what specific hazard does standing water on the road create?
- It makes road signs clearer
- Aquaplaning — where your tyres lose contact with the road surface and you lose steering control (Correct answer)
- It only affects motorcycles
- It improves braking efficiency
Correct answer: Aquaplaning — where your tyres lose contact with the road surface and you lose steering control
Aquaplaning occurs when a film of water builds up between your tyres and the road surface, causing a loss of grip and steering control. It is more likely at higher speeds and with worn tyres. If you feel light steering, ease off the accelerator — do not brake sharply.
Question 6: What should you be aware of when following a bus that is slowing down at a bus stop?
- The bus will turn left
- Passengers may step into the road after leaving the bus, and the bus may pull out suddenly (Correct answer)
- The bus is broken down
- You should overtake immediately
Correct answer: Passengers may step into the road after leaving the bus, and the bus may pull out suddenly
When a bus stops, passengers may alight and cross the road, sometimes from in front of the bus where you cannot see them. The bus may then signal and pull out — and you should give way to it. Scan both sides and be prepared to stop.
DVSA Hazard Perception 4
What clue might suggest a vehicle is about to pull out from a side road?