Menu
03/12/2002
Onscreen hazard testing for NI learner drivers
Learner drivers in Northern Ireland will soon be experiencing onscreen testing of their reactions to real hazards as part of revisions to the driving test.
From January, candidates taking the 35-question driving theory test will also have to complete a separate hazard perception test.
Stanley Duncan, Acting Chief Executive of the DOE Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency, said: "Too many young drivers are killed or injured in road accidents. It is important that they are able to recognise developing hazards on the roads and know how to respond to them. Bringing hazard perception into the theory test should encourage learner drivers to spend time acquiring and developing the skills they need at an early stage in their driving careers."
The hazard perception part of the test will use video clips of real road scenes. Candidates will be tested on 14 film clips chosen at random from a series of 200, each containing one or more developing hazards. From 6 January 2003, people sitting the test will be assessed on how soon they identify and respond to these hazards.
Research has shown that new drivers take up to two seconds longer to recognise potentially dangerous situations than more experienced drivers. However, after three hours of focused training, new drivers can on average achieve similar scores to those of experienced drivers in hazard perception tests.
Driving techniques such as anticipation and scanning the road ahead can help learner drivers improve their awareness of dangers when driving.
The new hazard perception test will form part of the current screen based theory test. Failure to pass either the existing multiple-choice section or the hazard perception test will result in failure of the whole test.
Price for the new test will go up from £18.00 to £20.50 as from 6 January 2003.
Leaflets explaining more about the new test, which started in England, Scotland and Wales on 14 November 2002. will be available from practical test centres and theory test centres.
(SP)
From January, candidates taking the 35-question driving theory test will also have to complete a separate hazard perception test.
Stanley Duncan, Acting Chief Executive of the DOE Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency, said: "Too many young drivers are killed or injured in road accidents. It is important that they are able to recognise developing hazards on the roads and know how to respond to them. Bringing hazard perception into the theory test should encourage learner drivers to spend time acquiring and developing the skills they need at an early stage in their driving careers."
The hazard perception part of the test will use video clips of real road scenes. Candidates will be tested on 14 film clips chosen at random from a series of 200, each containing one or more developing hazards. From 6 January 2003, people sitting the test will be assessed on how soon they identify and respond to these hazards.
Research has shown that new drivers take up to two seconds longer to recognise potentially dangerous situations than more experienced drivers. However, after three hours of focused training, new drivers can on average achieve similar scores to those of experienced drivers in hazard perception tests.
Driving techniques such as anticipation and scanning the road ahead can help learner drivers improve their awareness of dangers when driving.
The new hazard perception test will form part of the current screen based theory test. Failure to pass either the existing multiple-choice section or the hazard perception test will result in failure of the whole test.
Price for the new test will go up from £18.00 to £20.50 as from 6 January 2003.
Leaflets explaining more about the new test, which started in England, Scotland and Wales on 14 November 2002. will be available from practical test centres and theory test centres.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 March 2009
Harder Road To Get 'On The Buses'
Aspiring bus, coach and lorry drivers in NI will have a new theory test to do from next week. As of 10 March, a number of additional theory questions will be introduced for all such drivers.
Harder Road To Get 'On The Buses'
Aspiring bus, coach and lorry drivers in NI will have a new theory test to do from next week. As of 10 March, a number of additional theory questions will be introduced for all such drivers.
25 November 2024
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
21 November 2024
5 New Trends Sweeping The Online Gaming Industry
Online gaming is constantly changing. Each year, new trends emerge that shape the experiences of millions of players worldwide. This year is no different, with several exciting shifts capturing the attention of gamers everywhere.
5 New Trends Sweeping The Online Gaming Industry
Online gaming is constantly changing. Each year, new trends emerge that shape the experiences of millions of players worldwide. This year is no different, with several exciting shifts capturing the attention of gamers everywhere.
19 November 2024
Seating Matters To Create 62 New Jobs In £3.7m Investment
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced a significant investment by Seating Matters, a leading global manufacturer of therapeutic seating solutions. The company will invest £3.7 million in its facilities in Limavady and Derry, creating 62 new jobs over the next two years.
Seating Matters To Create 62 New Jobs In £3.7m Investment
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced a significant investment by Seating Matters, a leading global manufacturer of therapeutic seating solutions. The company will invest £3.7 million in its facilities in Limavady and Derry, creating 62 new jobs over the next two years.
18 November 2024
Belfast's Vacant To Vibrant Scheme To Expand Citywide
A successful scheme aimed at transforming vacant properties in Belfast city centre into thriving businesses is set to be extended across the entire city. Belfast City Council's Vacant to Vibrant programme has already breathed new life into 26 properties, with another six sites in the pipeline.
Belfast's Vacant To Vibrant Scheme To Expand Citywide
A successful scheme aimed at transforming vacant properties in Belfast city centre into thriving businesses is set to be extended across the entire city. Belfast City Council's Vacant to Vibrant programme has already breathed new life into 26 properties, with another six sites in the pipeline.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
