driver-qualification-handbook-english

Hazard perception3Revision of hazard perception skillsFigure 1Figure 2As a driver with about three years ormore solo driving experience, you havealready developed some hazardperception skills. To get to a P2 licenceyou had to pass the Hazard PerceptionTest (HPT) and demonstrate that youhad some basic hazard perception skills.When you graduate to a full licence youwill leave behind all the P driverrestrictions. For this reason it isimportant that you fully understandwhat hazard perception skills are andhow to apply them. A bit of revisionwill not only help you pass the DQT,but become a lower risk driver whenyou shed your P plates for good.You should remember that the basichazard perception skills are:• Keeping a safe distance from othervehicles. (Figure 1)• Selecting safe gaps when turning,crossing traffic or changing lanes.(Figure 2)• Scanning for hazards ahead, behindand to the side. (Figure 3)Figure 3Part 3 of the handbook provides revision of hazard perception skills and theirapplication.If you feel you need to brush up on hazard perception skills in more detail (eg ifyou haven’t been driving much in the last two years), you should re-read the Hazardperception handbook and visit the HPT section of RMS website (www.rms.nsw.gov.au/hpt.htm). Remember also that practice on the road is essential to the developmentand maintenance of sound hazard perception skills.Driver qualification handbook 71