Hazard perception, defensive driving and risk avoidance
This domain tests whether you spot developing hazards early and choose a low-risk response. The exam favours scanning, space and escape routes over reaction-time heroics.
Defensive system
Use a systematic scan: look far ahead, check mirrors, check blind spots and keep moving your eyes. A useful sequence is Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute. Ask not only what a road user is doing now, but what they may do next. A parked car may pull out; a motorcycle may filter; a child may run between vehicles.
Cover the brake when a hazard is developing, and keep an escape route. Maintain at least a two-second gap in dry weather and four seconds or more in rain, at night or behind a truck. Drop back if a large vehicle blocks your view. In rain, reduce speed smoothly and avoid sudden steering; aquaplaning occurs when tyres lose contact with the water film.
Worked example
You are following a lorry on a two-lane road. You cannot see the road ahead or the lorry’s mirrors clearly. Instead of overtaking blindly, you drop back to increase your view and following gap. This gives you time to see oncoming traffic, potholes or a cyclist that the lorry may pass. If a gap appears, you still check markings, sight lines and the lorry’s signals before committing.
Traps
Do not fixate on the vehicle directly ahead. Do not assume a driver has seen you because they looked in your direction. Do not overtake in heavy rain to “get it over with”. Do not tailgate to discourage a vehicle from entering your lane. Do not treat a green light or a clear junction as risk-free; scan for red-light runners and pedestrians.