Safe driving, hazard perception and defensive driving
Safe driving, hazard perception and defensive driving
This domain tests how you anticipate risk in a heavy passenger vehicle rather than how well you recite rules. The exam expects scanning, space management, smooth control and decisions that protect standing passengers and vulnerable road users.
Core rules
- A bus is heavy and high. Braking distances are longer, the centre of gravity is higher, and tail swing and blind spots are larger. Increase following distance and use mirrors and camera systems before every manoeuvre.
- Scan far ahead and look for clues: brake lights, pedestrians near crossings, school signs, parked delivery vehicles, cyclists, and passengers moving inside the bus. Plan an escape route.
- Smooth acceleration, gentle steering and progressive braking protect standing passengers and reduce falls. Avoid sudden swerves; a bus can roll or lose control.
- In rain, snow, fog or darkness, reduce speed and increase the gap. Wet roads can double stopping distance; ice can multiply it. Use lights correctly and keep windscreen and mirrors clear.
- Manage fatigue and distraction. The law and professional standards restrict phone use; a hands-free call is still a distraction. Take planned breaks before fatigue becomes impairment.
- Give special care to pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, children, older people and wheelchair users. Having right of way does not remove the duty to avoid a collision.
Worked example
A bus at 50 km/h on a wet road approaches a zebra crossing. A pedestrian steps out from between parked cars. The driver has already reduced speed because visibility was blocked. Reaction distance is added to wet braking distance, and the bus cannot stop as quickly as a car. The correct action is immediate firm braking, no swerve into oncoming traffic, and stopping before the crossing if possible.
Traps
Marks are lost by tailgating, overtaking near crossings, using the horn instead of slowing, and assuming mirrors show everything. Another trap is 'I had priority': defensive driving requires avoiding the crash, not proving the point.