Hazard Perception and Emergency Driving Responses
What the exam tests
Questions check whether you scan ahead, anticipate hazards, and respond correctly to vehicle emergencies without making the situation worse.
Core rules
- Look 12 to 15 seconds ahead, check mirrors regularly, and scan intersections, merge areas, and pedestrian zones. Identify escape paths before you need them.
- Communicate with signals, brake lights, and lane position. Avoid sudden moves that can throw standing or unbelted passengers.
- Tire blowout: hold the steering wheel firmly, keep the vehicle straight, ease off the accelerator, and slow gradually. Do not brake hard.
- Brake failure: downshift, pump the brakes if pressure is available, use the parking brake gradually, and look for an escape ramp or safe runoff.
- Fire: stop, evacuate passengers, move them away, and call emergency services. Do not open a fuel-fed fire area.
- Hydroplaning or skid: ease off the accelerator, avoid hard braking, and steer gently in the direction you want to go.
Worked example
A front tire blows at highway speed. The bus pulls toward the shoulder. The driver grips the wheel, keeps the bus straight, lifts off the accelerator, and lets speed drop before gently pulling off. Hard braking could cause a loss of control or a rollover.
Traps
Slamming brakes after a blowout. Turning the wheel sharply to fight a pull. Trying to drive a smoking bus to the next stop. Fixating on the hazard instead of the escape path.