DKT Hazard Perception Basics — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Hazard perception while driving means:
- Scanning the road to spot and respond to possible dangers early (Correct answer)
- Looking only at the vehicle directly in front
- Watching your speedometer constantly
- Driving as fast as the limit allows
Correct answer: Scanning the road to spot and respond to possible dangers early
Hazard perception is the skill of scanning ahead, to the sides and behind, identifying potential dangers early and responding in time. Good drivers look well ahead and plan for the unexpected.
Question 2: You are driving past a row of parked cars. The main hazard to watch for is:
- The cars suddenly speeding up
- A car door opening or a pedestrian stepping out between them (Correct answer)
- The road surface changing colour
- Your radio losing signal
Correct answer: A car door opening or a pedestrian stepping out between them
Near parked cars, watch for doors opening, pedestrians (especially children) stepping out, and cars pulling out. Leave space where possible and be ready to slow or stop.
Question 3: You see a ball roll onto the road from between parked cars in a suburban street. You should:
- Keep your speed and sound the horn
- Speed up to pass the area quickly
- Slow down and be ready to stop, as a child may follow the ball (Correct answer)
- Swerve into the oncoming lane
Correct answer: Slow down and be ready to stop, as a child may follow the ball
A ball on the road is a warning that a child may run out after it. Slow down, cover the brake and be ready to stop. Anticipating hidden hazards is a key driving skill.
Question 4: To check your blind spots before changing lanes, you should:
- Rely only on your rear-view mirror
- Only use your side mirrors
- Indicate and change lanes immediately
- Do a quick head check over your shoulder as well as checking mirrors (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Do a quick head check over your shoulder as well as checking mirrors
Mirrors do not show everything. Before changing lanes or merging, check your mirrors, indicate, then do a head check over your shoulder to cover the blind spot where a vehicle, cyclist or motorcyclist may be.
Question 5: Approaching a pedestrian crossing where people are waiting on the kerb, you should:
- Slow down and be prepared to stop to let them cross (Correct answer)
- Maintain speed because they have not stepped out yet
- Flash your lights and keep driving
- Move into the next lane and speed up
Correct answer: Slow down and be prepared to stop to let them cross
Pedestrians waiting near a crossing are a clear hazard. Slow down and be ready to give way and stop, as they may step onto the crossing at any moment.
Question 6: When driving in heavy traffic, scanning well ahead beyond the car in front helps you to:
- Use less fuel only
- Avoid using your mirrors
- Spot brake lights, stopped traffic or hazards early so you can respond smoothly (Correct answer)
- Drive closer to the car in front
Correct answer: Spot brake lights, stopped traffic or hazards early so you can respond smoothly
Looking several vehicles ahead lets you anticipate braking, stopped traffic or obstructions early, so you can ease off and respond smoothly rather than braking suddenly.
Question 7: You are about to drive through an area with cyclists sharing the road. A safe approach is to:
- Overtake closely to get past quickly
- Expect them to ride on the footpath
- Sound your horn to move them aside
- Give them plenty of space and a minimum safe passing distance when overtaking (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Give them plenty of space and a minimum safe passing distance when overtaking
Cyclists are vulnerable road users. When overtaking you must leave a safe passing distance (at least 1 metre at 60 km/h or less, 1.5 metres above 60 km/h) and watch for them at intersections.
Question 8: Driving at night, you should reduce your speed because:
- Reduced visibility means hazards appear with less warning (Correct answer)
- Speed limits are higher at night
- Your headlights make hazards easier to see than in daylight
- There are never any hazards at night
Correct answer: Reduced visibility means hazards appear with less warning
At night your vision is reduced and hazards such as pedestrians or animals appear with less warning. Drive so you can stop within the distance your headlights light up the road.
DKT Hazard Perception Basics
Hazard perception while driving means: