DVSA - UK Driving Theory Hazard Awareness and Perception Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are driving along a residential road with cars parked on the left-hand side. A ball bounces out into the road ahead. What is the most significant potential hazard you should be prepared for?
- The ball damaging your car's paintwork.
- A child running out to retrieve the ball. (Correct answer)
- A vehicle door opening suddenly from a parked car.
- An oncoming vehicle swerving to avoid the ball.
Correct answer: A child running out to retrieve the ball.
A ball bouncing into the road is a classic sign that a child may follow it without checking for traffic. You must anticipate this and be ready to stop immediately. While other hazards exist, a child running into the road is the most immediate and serious danger.
Question 2: When driving in wet conditions, what is the minimum time gap you should leave between your vehicle and the one in front?
- A one-second gap
- A two-second gap
- A three-second gap
- A four-second gap (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A four-second gap
The Highway Code advises that in wet weather, you should double the normal two-second gap to at least a four-second gap. This is because your vehicle will take longer to stop on a wet surface, and the increased distance provides a safer stopping margin.
Question 3: You are approaching a zebra crossing where a pedestrian is waiting to cross. Which of the following actions is the correct one to take?
- Continue at the same speed as they have not stepped onto the crossing.
- Slow down and prepare to stop if they step onto the crossing. (Correct answer)
- Sound your horn to let them know it is not safe to cross.
- Speed up to pass the crossing before they decide to step out.
Correct answer: Slow down and prepare to stop if they step onto the crossing.
According to the Highway Code, you must give way when a pedestrian has moved onto a zebra crossing. As a driver, you should anticipate that a waiting pedestrian will cross, so you must slow down and be prepared to stop to allow them to do so safely.
Question 4: What does the term 'developing hazard' mean in the context of the DVSA theory test?
- Any stationary object on or near the road.
- A situation that is likely to remain constant and requires no action.
- A situation that would cause you to take action, like changing speed or direction. (Correct answer)
- A traffic sign that you are approaching.
Correct answer: A situation that would cause you to take action, like changing speed or direction.
A developing hazard is defined by the DVSA as something that moves from being a potential hazard to an actual one, requiring the driver to take action such as braking or steering. For example, a parked car becomes a developing hazard when its indicator starts flashing and it begins to move off.
Question 5: You are driving on a country lane with no pavement. What should you be particularly aware of on a left-hand bend?
- Oncoming traffic cutting the corner. (Correct answer)
- Pedestrians walking on the left, towards you.
- The road surface being more worn on the bend.
- Pedestrians walking on the right, with their back to you.
Correct answer: Oncoming traffic cutting the corner.
On a blind or sharp left-hand bend, a common and dangerous hazard is an oncoming vehicle cutting the corner and encroaching into your lane. You should reduce your speed and keep well to the left to mitigate this risk. Pedestrians on a road with no pavement should walk on the right, facing oncoming traffic.
Question 6: When may you use your vehicle's hazard warning lights while moving?
- When you are double-parked for a short period.
- To thank a driver who has let you out of a junction.
- When driving on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway to warn traffic behind of a hazard ahead. (Correct answer)
- If you are driving slowly because you are lost.
Correct answer: When driving on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway to warn traffic behind of a hazard ahead.
The Highway Code states that you must not use hazard warning lights while driving unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead. Using them for other reasons, such as thanking drivers or for illegal parking, is incorrect.
DVSA - UK Driving Theory Hazard Awareness and Perception Questions and Answers
You are driving along a residential road with cars parked on the left-hand side.
A ball bounces out into the road ahead.
What is the most significant potential hazard you should be prepared for?