Hazard perception: recognising developing hazards
How the hazard-perception part works, what to look for in the clips and how to practise without memorising clicks.
On this page
Hazard perception is about noticing when something on the road starts to need a response—not remembering where to click in a familiar practice video.
How the clips work
You watch 14 clips. Each has at least one developing hazard, and one has two. You can earn up to five points per hazard by spotting it early. You get one attempt at each clip. Continuous or patterned clicking can result in no score for that clip.
See DVSA’s explanation and example before practising.
Weather clips are not a new 2026 change
Our previous title was misleading. DVSA announced clips showing fog, rain, snow, wind and low light in November 2018, not 2026. The original announcement includes examples.
What are you looking for?
Ask yourself what might make you alter your speed or direction. A pedestrian waiting near the road is worth watching; if they start to step into your path, the situation is developing. Keep scanning rather than watching just one part of the screen.
Make practice useful
- Use a mix of practice clips so you do not just remember the timing.
- After a difficult clip, explain what changed and what action a driver would need.
- During lessons, ask your instructor to help you recognise similar situations on the road.
Need help with the other part? Visit our theory-test revision guides.
Chris Jackson
DVSA-approved driving instructor with more than five years of practical teaching experience.