Defensive Driving, Hazard Perception and Speed Management
What the exam tests
This domain tests scanning, following distance, speed selection for conditions and early hazard recognition. Heavy vehicles need longer stopping distances, so the exam rewards seeing a hazard before it becomes an emergency.
Core rules
- Look 12-15 seconds ahead in urban areas and further on high-speed roads. Scan mirrors regularly and check blind spots before lane changes.
- Use at least a 3-second following gap in good conditions. Increase it for rain, ice, darkness, a heavy load, poor brakes or a tired driver; 6-8 seconds is a practical wet-road minimum.
- The posted speed limit is a maximum for ideal conditions, not a target. Reduce speed for visibility, road surface, curves, traffic density, construction zones and vulnerable road users.
- Cover the brake when a hazard is developing: release the accelerator and hover over the brake pedal to shorten reaction time.
- Identify an escape route before you need it: a clear lane, shoulder or gap. Do not fixate on the hazard.
- Give cyclists and motorcyclists extra room; they can be hidden by mirrors and A-pillars. Large vehicles have significant no-zones.
Worked example
You are loaded and following a car at 3 seconds on a wet highway at 90 km/h. Reasoning: 3 seconds is about 75 m, but wet grip and load mass extend stopping distance. Increase the gap to at least 6 seconds, reduce speed and scan beyond the car for brake lights ahead. If the car brakes suddenly, the extra gap gives time to brake progressively rather than swerve.
Traps
- Treating the speed limit as automatically safe.
- Tailgating to discourage others from entering the gap.
- Looking only at the vehicle directly ahead instead of through it.
- Failing to adjust following distance for load, rain or fatigue.