I need help to pass the Hazard Perception ASAP!

So, I have taken the theory test twice, both times I have passed the questions part (last time I got 100%!) and have failed the HP bit. The first time I clicked too many times and the software thought I was cheating and didn't give me any points for one clip -- I didn't pass by ONE POINT! The last time I took the test I didn't click enough for fear of being a 'cheater' and got an even lower score than the first time! So I have my third and hopefully final test scheduled for this Saturday (10/6/06) and I am going to try to strike a happy medium.

Can anyone give ANY advice to pass this part of the test? Any info would be much appreciated, this is costing me a fortune!

Kelly

It might help if you bought the practice CDs. I'm sure you can pick them up for under £10 and places like Woolworths or a bookstore. It's cheaper than booking another test, right?

You can find them online if you know where to look but I think they CDs are pretty cheap in the stores anyway.

I agree---I found the practice cd very helpful---although it does let you get away with clicking a bit more than the real test does.

Yes, I have the CR Roms and have been practicing them. I agree that it lets you get away with clicking more than the test. I think it's a case of clicking at the beginning, middle and end of a hazard. I just did a practice test and I passed, so ya-hoo! What irks me is that this part of the test is new and none of my friends or husband took it and can drive perfectly well. If the gov doesn't make the people who already been driving take the test, then why make Americans who have been driving for years take it? We already have the skills, sometimes we have faster reaction times than the computer and that's where we get into trouble!

sometimes we have faster reaction times than the computer and that's where we get into trouble!

I think I clicked twice on most of them. I clicked once when I first saw it and then again in case I was somehow too early.

It is (in my opinion) a stupid, unnecessary part of the test.  I'm sorry that you failed it by one point!!!     It took me ages to figure out where to click.  I practiced with the CD's as well.  I guess, all I can say, look at signs, crossings, junctions, bike lanes, parked cars with their hazard lights on, things where hazards could develop.  As soon as you see a hazard developing (even if it's in the distant future) click.  Like if a car comes up from a side road - click.  I've clicked up to about 5 times in each clip, and I was never scored zero for 'cheating'.   here is a video explanation from 2pass, I have used the resources on this site to answer any questions (there is a forum for learners as well)

http://www.2pass.co.uk/hazardvideo.htm

I failed most of my practice tests (until I knew where I should be clicking) and sat my theory/hp in August and passed the HP first time (not with a 'great' score, though got 100% on the theory part)  It's nothing like 'real driving' if you know what I mean.   Just an unfortunate additional step.

However - try and not be so concerned about cost, because if you think that's costing a fortune, it's nothing compared to lessons (at £20-25/hour), booking the test (think it's now £48.50, more for 'peak times like after 5pm during the summer and Saturdays, plus the cost of a lesson before your test and another 'lesson' for car rental during your test), stuff like that.  And most people need to take some lessons (don't know if you have or not) like of at least a few, if not more like 10, before attempting the test, as it's WAY harder to pass here then back home.  You can pass on the first attempt, but most people fail at least once.  (the pass rate for where I am is around 30%, and this is for people who have lived here all their lives, and are used to the different driving conditions)  I was also told by my driving instructor that examiners don't particularily LIKE taking the test in your own car as it's not dual controled and some examiners have a hard time relaxing if they feel like they have no control (I tried in my own car once, and I could tell, she just wasn't relaxed)

I am at the stage that I cannot pass my practical.  I just tried again yesterday.  I've driven for 15 years back home, on a manual transmission.  I cannot pass the test here.  It's hard for me to drive, what I consider, is like a robot and try and relax and concentrate on the road.  I have hardly any money and my husband and I really cant afford it and have had to make other sacrifices.  If I thought about all the money I spent trying to get my license I'd be physically sick about it.  So try and put that part out of your mind, it IS going to be ridiculously expensive to get your license here.

Good luck with your test though, hopefully third time lucky for you. 

~Sari

If the gov doesn't make the people who already been driving take the test, then why make Americans who have been driving for years take it?

I agree entirely.  Somebody with a license from another EU country doesn't have to take these extra tests, even if he's only been driving a few weeks!  To force people who have been driving safely for years to jump through all these hoops is ridiculous.

From what I've heard of the hazard-perception test (I never took it, of course), it's all very confusing as to what is actually expected.    Somebody who has been driving for years and has the practical experience is quite likely going to see things somewhat differently from a new driver.    We might notice some small thing which could be a hazard that the test would not expect learners to recognize.  Or we might not register as a hazard something which is expected but that we would deal with subconsciously in  our driving because we've doing it for so long.

I took my test in 1983 when it was still the "old regime" which had been in place for years.    The entire test process (done on one visit to the test center) consisted of reading a license plate from the specified distance, driving the examiner around for a bout 20 minutes carrying out the various maneuvers, then sitting in the car and answering (verbally) a half dozen random Highway Code questions.  That was it!

Thanks for all the suggestions and support. I know I just have to face the facts and practice my butt off, but it's so hard not to be bitter about it. So, I'm about to put in my 'Driving Test Success' CD-ROM in and try to train my brain to pass this test. I'll definitely let ya'll know if I'll be celebrating or drowning my sorrows on Saturday!

Good luck, Kelly!

DH and I are finally getting around to this.  We bought the cds today and we'll let you know how it goes.  I've taken a fair few lessons, by a good instructor, but I now feel like he is more hell-bent on getting me to drive like an English Granny than teaching me the maneuvers necessary to pass the darn test.  My goal is to get it all done by the end of August.  this, right now, seems insurmountable. 

I took my test on Saturday... and I passed! Such a relief to have it over with! I got 100% on the questions again and I got 48 points on HP (I needed 44 to pass). I feel like it shouldn't be as big a deal because I should have passed it the first time, but I can't help but be proud. Thanks so much for the help and support ya'll. Good luck to everyone working for a UK driving license, we can do it!

congratulations on passing! 

It IS a big deal, you should feel proud!

I got 48 on HP as well, but never mind, a pass is a pass!

Congrats Kelly!