Hazard awareness, defensive driving and emergency handling
Domain 5: Hazard awareness, defensive driving and emergency handling
This domain asks what you saw, what you predicted and what you did. Defensive driving means assuming other road users will make mistakes and always leaving yourself a way out.
Scanning routine
Look about 12 seconds ahead - roughly a block in town - and keep your eyes moving: mirrors every 5–8 seconds, blind-spot checks before any lane change, and a scan of the far side of every intersection before you enter it. Identify hazards early: a pedestrian facing the road, brake lights two cars ahead, a taxi slowing without indicating.
Space and escape routes
Always know where you would go if the vehicle ahead stopped dead. Leave a gap you could steer into, avoid travelling in another driver's blind spot, and cover the brake when a hazard is developing.
Emergencies
- Blowout - grip the wheel with both hands, do not brake hard, ease off the accelerator and let the car slow, then pull off.
- Brake failure - pump the pedal, change down through the gears, apply the parking brake gently, and steer for an escape route.
- Skid - ease off the accelerator and steer where you want the front to go; do not stamp on the brake.
- Aquaplaning - lift off the accelerator, hold the wheel straight, and do not brake until grip returns.
- Engine fire - stop, switch off, get everyone out and away; do not open the bonnet fully.
Worked example
A rear tyre bursts at 100 km/h and the car pulls to the left. Reasoning: the drag comes from the deflated tyre, and hard braking shifts weight forward and can spin the car. Correct sequence: both hands on the wheel, hold it straight, release the accelerator, let speed fall, indicate and pull onto the shoulder.
Traps
Braking hard in a blowout; steering away from a skid; opening a hot bonnet during a fire; assuming an indicator means the driver will actually turn.