Safe Driving and Hazard Perception
This domain tests whether you can spot a developing hazard early and adjust speed, position and attention before danger becomes unavoidable. Questions use road scenes, weather, traffic and driver state to check systematic observation and judgement.
Systematic scanning
Check mirrors before slowing or turning, glance over your shoulder for blind spots, and keep a visual lead of about 12 seconds. Look for brake lights, pedestrians near the kerb, and vehicles emerging from side roads.
Following distance and speed
The two-second rule applies in dry conditions: pick a fixed point and ensure two seconds pass before you reach it. Double the gap in rain and increase it further on ice or in poor visibility. Speed must let you stop within the distance you can see to be clear.
Overtaking and conditions
Overtake only when legal, with a clear view and no junction, crest or curve ahead. In fog use low beam, not high beam, because high beam reflects back. At night, reduce speed so you can stop within the lit distance.
Worked example
You follow a truck at 60 km/h in rain. A dry two-second gap is about 33 metres; rain doubles it to about 66 metres. If the truck brakes suddenly, 33 metres leaves too little room because wet roads reduce grip and increase braking distance. Reasoning: double the gap when the road is wet.
Traps that cost marks
Using high beam in fog; overtaking near a crest or junction; target fixation on an obstacle; assuming ABS shortens stopping distance on ice.
Key points
- Use the two-second rule in dry weather and double it in rain.
- Keep a 12-second visual lead and check blind spots physically.
- Overtake only with a clear view and legal permission.
- Use low beam in fog; high beam reflects back.
- ABS does not remove the need to increase stopping distance on ice.