Perth driving schools conduct driving lessons aimed at building up the mental, psychomotor, visual perception as well as attitude and physical skills of their students and to keep these skills in balance to achieve excellent coordination and preparedness in making split-second decisions to unexpected situations. With these skills becoming a part of their natural reaction, student drivers will be able to respond calmly to potential hazards when driving.
What is a hazard?
A hazard is anything or any situation that you need to react to avoid a crash. Here are some road hazards every driver must be aware of:
- A vehicle stopping ahead of you
- Vehicles at an intersection whether you are going to make a turn or go straight ahead
- Vehicles with indicators on
- Bicyclists or motorcyclists who appear when you least expect them to
- Pedestrians coming out from behind parked cars
- Crossing pedestrians
- Vehicles changing lanes
- Gravel surfaces, slippery roads, heavy downpour or fog
What is a hazard perception?
Hazard perception is a complex mental skill a driver needs to fully acquire and develop to be able to identify and avoid potential hazards. It depends upon the visual and auditory perception of the drivers. There are no short-cuts to developing these skills. Only lots of on-road experience and intuitiveness can make one achieve excellent skills in hazard perception.
What is a Hazard Perception Test (HPT)?
Driving schools in Perth prepare students for the tests that they have to pass before they can legally drive. A Hazard Perception Test is an essential prerequisite to getting a provisional license.
A Hazard Perception Test and the driving test assess different types of skills. The driving test focuses mainly on the driver’s car handling skills and adeptness in driving safely around traffic. Hazard perception skills, on the other hand, measure the driver’s ability to assess traffic situations, make driving decisions and manage risks while on the road. Passing both gives the assurance that a driver is not only skilled in driving, but perceptive enough to avoid road hazards.
Details in taking the HPT
The HPT displays a series of moving traffic scenes on a computer screen which will require you to respond to each scene by indicating “when it is necessary to commence maneuver or when it is necessary to take appropriate action” to avoid a crash.
While the HPT is an online examination, there is no extensive computer skills required since the test has simple on-screen instructions and staff to guide you throughout the process. A HPT booklet is also provided containing detailed information on how to pass the test.
If you fail the test, you can take it again the next day or the day after until you pass. However, you need to pay a fee every time you take one.
Exemption from the HPT
There are communities in Western Australia that do not have HPT facilities. An exemption is granted if it is proven that you live outside a radius of not less than 100 kilometers from a HPT facility. If you think you are eligible to apply for an exemption, you will have to complete an ‘Exemption from a Hazard Perception Test’ form. This will be reviewed and a letter will be sent advising you of the decision.
Who is qualified to take the HPT?
If you are 17 years old and have completed your Post PDA Log Book with at least 25 hours of supervised driving experience and a minimum of 6 months from completion, then you are qualified to sit for the exam. Complete the Hazard Perception Test form and then you are able to sit for the exam. Once you have completed your HPT, you are now qualified for a Provisional License.
It is highly recommended that you choose driving schools in Perth which will help you not only in passing the driving test but prepare you as well for the Hazard Perception Test. Driving instructors understand how important hazard perception skills are to drivers, so make sure they teach you not for the purpose of passing this test alone, but most significantly to make you become a responsible driver.
For more information on Hazard Perception, City West Driving School in Perth, Australia can help regarding any questions on hazard perception tests or anything related.
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