Hazard Perception, Crash Avoidance, and Defensive Driving
What this domain tests
This section tests how early you identify hazards, maintain space, and choose a safe response with passengers aboard.
Scanning and space
Scan 12 to 15 seconds ahead and check mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds. Maintain a space cushion on all sides and identify an escape route before you need it. Cover the brake at intersections and when pedestrians or cyclists are near. Expect other drivers to misjudge a bus's size and stopping distance.
Common hazards
Watch for merging cars in your blind spots, tailgaters, vehicles passing on the right, pedestrians stepping from between parked cars, and cyclists along the curb. Avoid distraction and keep both hands on the wheel.
Worked example
You are in the right lane and a car begins merging from the right. You should reduce speed or change lanes if clear, rather than hold speed and hope the driver sees you. Reasoning: a bus cannot stop or swerve like a car; creating space early is the safer response.
Traps
- Fixating on one hazard and missing the larger scene.
- Following too closely because the bus "feels" stable.
- Assuming other drivers see the bus.
- Swerving into oncoming traffic to avoid a minor hazard.