DVSA Hazard Perception 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the difference between a 'potential hazard' and a 'developing hazard'?
- There is no difference
- A potential hazard may or may not require action; a developing hazard is one that requires you to act (Correct answer)
- A developing hazard is less dangerous than a potential hazard
- A potential hazard only applies to pedestrians
Correct answer: A potential hazard may or may not require action; a developing hazard is one that requires you to act
A potential hazard is something that could become dangerous, such as a parked car that might pull out. A developing hazard is one that is actively unfolding and requires you to take action, such as a pedestrian stepping into the road. In the DVSA test, you score points for identifying developing hazards early.
Question 2: What does the MSM routine stand for?
- Move, Signal, Mirror
- Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre (Correct answer)
- Mirror, Slow, Move
- Manoeuvre, Speed, Mirror
Correct answer: Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre
MSM stands for Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre. Before any change in direction or speed, you should check your mirrors, signal your intention, and then carry out the manoeuvre. This ensures you are aware of other road users before acting.
Question 3: When scanning the road ahead, what technique should you use?
- Focus only on the vehicle directly in front
- Scan far distance, middle distance, and near surroundings continuously (Correct answer)
- Only look in your mirrors
- Focus on road signs exclusively
Correct answer: Scan far distance, middle distance, and near surroundings continuously
Effective observation requires scanning at three distances: far ahead (to plan early), middle distance (to assess developing situations), and near surroundings (for immediate hazards). This continuous scanning pattern gives you the maximum time to react.
Question 4: What is a 'blind spot' and where is it located?
- An area ahead obscured by fog
- An area not covered by your mirrors, typically to the rear quarters of your vehicle (Correct answer)
- The area directly behind your vehicle
- A damaged section of your windscreen
Correct answer: An area not covered by your mirrors, typically to the rear quarters of your vehicle
Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that cannot be seen in your interior or door mirrors. They are typically located to the rear left and right quarters. You should physically turn your head to check blind spots before changing lanes, overtaking, or turning.
Question 5: Why are junctions considered high-risk areas for hazard perception?
- Because they always have traffic lights
- Because multiple streams of traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists converge, creating many potential conflicts (Correct answer)
- Because the speed limit is always lower at junctions
- Because road surfaces are always worse at junctions
Correct answer: Because multiple streams of traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists converge, creating many potential conflicts
Junctions are high-risk because vehicles may be turning, emerging, or crossing your path. Pedestrians may be crossing. Cyclists may be in blind spots. Multiple road users making different decisions in a shared space creates many potential conflicts.
Question 6: What should you do when following another vehicle and you notice their brake lights come on repeatedly?
- Flash your headlights to tell them to stop braking
- Overtake immediately
- Increase your following distance as there may be a hazard ahead that you cannot yet see (Correct answer)
- Maintain your current distance — they are probably just a nervous driver
Correct answer: Increase your following distance as there may be a hazard ahead that you cannot yet see
Repeated brake lights suggest the driver ahead can see a hazard you cannot. Increase your following distance to give yourself more time to react. The hazard may be a queue of traffic, an obstruction, or deteriorating road conditions ahead.
DVSA Hazard Perception 1
What is the difference between a 'potential hazard' and a 'developing hazard'?