Hazard Perception, Defensive and Fatigue-Free Driving
This domain tests whether you see trouble early and manage your own fitness to drive. Questions often describe a developing scene and ask for the safest action, not the fastest one.
Scanning and defensive driving
- Look well ahead and keep the eyes moving: mirrors every few seconds, instruments briefly, road surface and kerbs.
- Use at least a two-second gap in good conditions and three or more in rain, at night or when loaded. Increase it further behind lorries and motorcycles.
- Expect the unexpected at junctions, bus stops, markets, schools, churches and bars. Boda bodas, pedestrians, animals and handcarts can enter your path without warning.
- Cover the brake and reduce speed when a hazard is developing; do not wait to react.
- Never assume a signal gives you right of way. Make eye contact where possible and confirm the other road user has seen you.
Fatigue
- Take a break of at least 15 to 20 minutes every two hours, and respect the daily driving limit set for PSV operations.
- Warning signs include yawning, heavy eyes, lane drifting, missed signs and difficulty concentrating.
- The only real cure is sleep. Coffee, loud music, fresh air and conversation do not restore alertness.
- Plan night trips with a relief driver and avoid driving during hours when you would normally sleep.
Worked example
On a night run the driver yawns repeatedly and drifts towards the shoulder. The safest action is to stop at a safe place, rest or swap with a relief driver. Opening the window or turning up the radio treats the symptom, not the fatigue, and the next drift may be into oncoming traffic.
Traps that cost marks
Choosing "sound the horn" or "flash lights" as a complete response; keeping a two-second gap at night in rain; and believing energy drinks beat sleep.