DKTHazard perception is the ability to identify possible dangers around you, judge how risky they are and predict what might happen, then respond early enough. Young drivers usually have good reaction times but weaker hazard perception, and the ability to anticipate matters more.
What counts as a hazard?
- Other vehicles in front, behind and beside you, or a motorcycle in a side street.
- A double-parked truck ahead, or a train about to cross.
- Pedestrians and bicycle riders.
- Weather, potholes, traffic conditions, a tight curve or a hill crest where you cannot see what is beyond.
Scan, mirror, head check
- Scan: keep taking in the whole scene by looking ahead, to the sides and in your mirrors.
- Mirrors: adjust them after you set your seat. Set the outside mirrors so you just see the edge of your car; the views from the inside and outside mirrors should overlap slightly.
- Head check: every car has blind spots, for example outside the rear door on the driver's side. Turn your head and look over your shoulder before you reverse, change lanes, merge or pull out to overtake.
Good hazard perception comes only from lots of driving in many different situations, which is the point of your 120 hours.
Based on the Victorian Road to Solo Driving handbook and the VicRoads learner and probationary pages. Rules change from time to time, so check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest.
Quick answers
What is hazard perception?
Spotting possible dangers around you, judging the risk and responding in time to avoid them. It is different from reaction time.
When should you do a head check?
Before reversing, changing lanes, merging and pulling out to overtake, because mirrors alone do not show your blind spots.