Traffic behaviour, interaction and hazard perception
What the exam tests
Traffic behaviour, interaction and hazard perception tests defensive driving: following distance, overtaking, vulnerable road users, tunnels and winter conditions.
Core rules
- Use the three-second rule in good conditions; extend it in rain, darkness, snow or with a heavy load.
- Give cyclists and pedestrians room; they are hard to see near a lorry’s blind spots. Check mirrors before turning.
- Overtake only with clear visibility and enough road. A C1 lorry accelerates slowly when laden.
- In tunnels, keep lights on, maintain distance, know emergency exits and follow signs.
- In winter, reduce speed, brake gently and watch for ice in shaded areas and on bridges.
Worked example
You drive at 80 km/h on a rural road. A cyclist appears ahead near a junction. The three-second gap is about 67 m, but the cyclist may swerve. Correct: reduce speed early, cover the brake, leave at least 1.5 m when passing if safe, and be ready to stop. Wrong: sound the horn and pass closely because the lorry is faster.
Traps
Do not treat the speed limit as a target. Do not overtake into a shrinking gap. Do not forget the lorry’s blind spots at roundabouts. Do not assume tunnel lighting is adequate without your own lights.