On-the-Road Driving Rules and Hazard Perception
On-the-Road Driving Rules and Hazard Perception
This domain tests driving a passenger vehicle smoothly and defensively while managing people. The examiner looks for correct speed, following distance, mirror use, signaling, and freedom from distraction, plus judgment around riders and stops.
Core rules
- Wear a seat belt and require it where required. No handheld phone, texting, or other distracting device.
- Increase following distance with passengers aboard; stop smoothly and look far ahead for stale green lights, pedestrians, and stopped buses.
- Signal early and check mirrors before changing lanes or pulling away from a stop. A bus has blind spots; do not rely on the mirror alone.
- Obey posted speed and reduce for curves, rain, fog, night, and loading zones. A schedule is never a defense for speeding.
- Manage passengers without taking your eyes off the road. If a rider is disruptive, stop safely before addressing the problem.
- At stops, pull close to the curb, watch for riders crossing, and pull out only when the lane is clear.
Worked example
A rider stands near the driver and complains loudly. The driver should ask the rider to sit, keep scanning, and if the behavior continues, stop in a safe place. Arguing while driving is a distraction and a hazard. The correct action is to control the bus first, then the passenger.
Traps
- Following too closely to keep up with traffic.
- Looking at the passenger instead of the road.
- Pulling away from a stop without a mirror check and signal.
- Speeding to recover a late schedule.