First introduced to the hazard perception test in 2015, computer-generated clips (CGI) have been a hit with learners. Here’s why – and how to practise them.

As a learner, you’ll already know that fourteen one-minute clips are used during the theory test’s hazard perception segment. In each, you are asked to spot potential and developing hazards.

For the first 13 years of the test, these clips were video-based, learners often complaining that the footage wasn’t of sufficient enough quality to help spot hazards in the first place.

It led to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) creating the CGI clips, which are more modern and defined, and they have been met with praise from learners, instructors and examiners alike.

The new CGI clips are clearer, more modern and of a higher quality compared to the videos previously used in the hazard perception test.

How the hazard perception test has evolved

Since their introduction, the agency has gone on to introduce more clips. For instance, from November last year, the agency added clips that depict driving in snow, wind, rain and other adverse weather conditions, plus dusk and dawn driving.

According to the DVSA, the reason for such a diverse set of conditions is to prepare you more for the real-world driving conditions you will experience once you’ve qualified.

It’s a wise move as Department of Transport figures reveal that there were 16,406 accidents in rain, sleet, snow or fog on our roads in 2017 alone – with 205 fatal incidents; the DVSA say the test has reduced post-test at-fault collisions involving new drivers by over 11%.

What the future holds for the theory test

While the adverse driving condition clips have been welcomed, some are still critical that there aren’t enough clips depicting other hazards that drivers can expect to encounter on the road such as potholes or pedestrians who are distracted by their mobile phones.

The DVSA though has said that it will continue to update the clips and plans to introduce situations depicting children and cyclists.

How to ace your theory test

To help you prepare for the hazard perception test, Theory Test Pro offers:

• a library of 62 practice hazard perception clips, 20 of which are the new CGI clips licensed from the DVSA

• four different hazard practice exams that are given in the same format as the official hazard test, running 14 clips one after the other before giving your score at the end

• a tutorial video that explains how the hazard clips are scored and the number of hazards in each clip.

It’s important to remember that the clips featured in all training apps (including Theory Test Pro’s) are practice versions; the DVSA keeps the ones it actually uses in the official test secret.

This ensures you can’t ‘learn’ the clips before the test and pass them with flying colours because you have been able to practise the same clips repeatedly.

Below are several of our test clips to give you a clear idea of what you can expect when practising – and the kind of clips you might view during the test itself. For more information about the theory test and how to pass it, head to our blog post, ‘How to Click Your Way to a Pass’.

Normal Driving Conditions

Adverse Driving Conditions