What this topic covers
A hazard is anything that may make you change speed or direction. This topic trains you to read the road ahead and understand what reduces your ability to do so.
Practice questions
Q1What is a 'developing hazard'?
A developing hazard is one that changes and could require you to act — like a pedestrian stepping out or a car pulling from a side road.
Q2How does drinking alcohol affect your driving?
Alcohol slows reactions, impairs judgement and gives false confidence. The safest limit is none — even small amounts affect your ability to drive.
Q3You feel tired. Which is true?
If you're tired, stop. A short nap (around 15 minutes) plus a caffeinated drink can restore alertness enough to continue safely after a break.
Q4Some medicines can affect your driving. You should:
Both prescription and over-the-counter medicines can cause drowsiness. Check the leaflet or ask a pharmacist whether it's safe to drive.
Q5A ball bounces into the road from between parked cars. You should expect:
A ball often means a child is nearby. Slow right down and be ready to stop — a child may run out without looking.
Q6The morning after drinking heavily, you:
Alcohol leaves the body slowly (around one unit an hour), so you can still be over the limit and unsafe the next morning.
Q7Driving while impaired by illegal or prescription drugs is:
Drug-driving carries penalties similar to drink-driving. Many drugs slow reactions and judgement even when you feel normal.
Q8You see brake lights coming on far ahead on your road. You should:
Reading the road far ahead lets you respond gently and early, rather than braking hard at the last moment.
Q9As you pass a line of parked cars, you should watch especially for:
Expect doors to open and pedestrians — especially children — to step out between parked cars. Slow down and leave room.
Q10You're driving towards a low, bright sun. You should:
Glare can hide hazards completely. Reduce speed, use the sun visor and a clean windscreen, and be ready for what you can't yet see.
Q11Your view at a junction is blocked by parked cars. You should:
Creep forward carefully until you have a clear view both ways, ready to stop, before committing to pull out.
Q12A sign warns of mud on the road from a farm. You should:
Mud can make the road slippery and reduce grip. Slow down and avoid harsh braking or steering.
Q13A cyclist ahead glances over their shoulder. They may be about to:
A glance back often means a cyclist is about to move out or turn. Give them room and be ready to slow.
Q14You feel sleepy while driving on a motorway. You should:
You must not stop on the hard shoulder to rest. Leave at the next services or exit, then take a proper break.
Q15You're passing the scene of a crash on the other carriageway. You should:
'Rubbernecking' causes more crashes. Concentrate on your own driving and keep moving safely past.
Ready for the real thing?
Mix this topic with all the others in a full, timed mock test — and read our hazard perception test guide to master the clips.