Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Perception
This domain tests hazard perception and safe-driving decisions with a heavy, high-centre-of-gravity passenger vehicle. The exam looks for scanning, space management, smooth control and passenger protection.
Bus-specific hazards
- Braking: Air brake lag, vehicle weight and passenger load increase stopping distance. Leave at least four seconds, more when wet or loaded.
- Blind spots and tail swing: Mirrors do not show everything; a bus's rear overhang swings outward in turns.
- Passenger movement: Stop smoothly; avoid sudden lane changes; secure mobility aids and luggage.
- Scanning: Look 12-15 seconds ahead, check mirrors every 5-8 seconds, and watch for pedestrians, cyclists, school zones and construction.
- Weather: Reduce speed, increase the gap, brake earlier; avoid cruise control on slippery roads.
Worked example
At 60 km/h, a four-second gap is about 67 metres (60 km/h ÷ 3.6 = 16.7 m/s; 16.7 × 4 = 67 m). In rain, double it to about 134 m. If a cyclist swerves 50 m ahead, the dry-weather gap gives little margin; the wet-weather gap is the safer target because the bus needs more distance to stop and passengers may be standing or moving.
Traps
- Using a car's two-second rule.
- Checking mirrors only when changing lanes.
- Forgetting tail swing when turning near a curb or pole.
- Braking hard with standing passengers.
- Assuming a green light means clear; scan the intersection before entering.