Friday 30 September 2016
From 1st November 2016 the Guernsey theory driving test will include a hazard perception element.
This will test a driver's ability to recognize a developing hazard and how quickly they react to it, which is considered to be key in improving driving standards and making our roads safer. A developing hazard is something that may cause a driver to take some action such as changing speed or direction.
The hazard perception test will immediately follow the multiple choice part and both parts need to be successfully completed in order to pass the theory test. The test is failed if the candidate does not achieve the minimum score required in one or both elements, in which case the whole test must be re-taken.
During the hazard perception element the candidate is shown a series of video clips from a driver's perspective and each clip will include at least one developing hazard. Car and motorcycle categories contain 14 clips, one of which will have 2 developing hazards, lorry and bus categories contain 19 clips, and again, one clip will have 2 developing hazards.
The video clips show every day scenes which include driving in urban and rural settings as well as on motorways and in various weather conditions.
The candidate will need to work out where the hazards are within the video clips and click on the screen using a mouse to score points. Each hazard has a maximum possible score of 5 points and the earlier a candidate notices a developing hazard, the higher they will score. Each click on the screen records the exact moment of each response when a developing hazard is seen on or near the road. Only the first 5 clicks will be recorded.
The pass mark for motorcycle and car categories will be 44 out of 75 points and 67 out of 100 points for lorries and buses.
The introduction of the hazard perception will increase the time the test will take so candidates will have 80 minutes in which to complete the test as opposed to the 60 minute duration currently allowed.
Candidates will know at the end of test what score they have achieved in each element and whether they have passed or failed the theory test.
CD-ROM's can be purchased from the reception desk at the Driving and Vehicle Licensing office at Bulwer Avenue that features questions and hazard perception clips to enable drivers to practice before taking the theory test.
