Anticipation is the single most important skill a driver can develop. It is the difference between reacting to danger and avoiding it altogether. The examiner is constantly assessing whether you are reading the road ahead, spotting clues, and adjusting your driving before a situation becomes critical.
Hazard perception is about recognising what could go wrong before it does. A ball rolling into the road means a child might follow it. A bus with its indicator on at a stop means pedestrians might cross in front of it. A car parked with its exhaust showing means it could pull out without warning. These are clues, and the examiner expects you to respond to them.
Use scanning techniques rather than staring. Keep your eyes moving across the windscreen: near, middle, and far. Look at road signs, road markings, the behaviour of other vehicles, and the environment. Check your mirrors regularly to build a full picture of what is around you.
Many cars now have autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and forward collision warning. These systems can help reduce the severity of a crash or even prevent one, but they do not replace anticipation. They may not detect every hazard, especially cyclists, pedestrians in dark clothing, or stationary objects at higher speeds. You must still scan the road, read the clues, and adjust your speed and position early.
Planning means adjusting your speed and position before you reach a hazard. Ease off the accelerator early rather than braking at the last moment. Choose a safe following distance so you have time and space to react. Hold back from blind bends and junctions until you can see enough to proceed safely.