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[GTMac]

I have failed my Part 1 twice in the past month. Both times I was penalised for unacceptable clicking. In my last test I scored 49 and was given 3 zero scores for unacceptable clicking. I find it hard to accept considering that I have been a computer user for many years I know how to use a mouse.

I have practiced religiously on the excellent Focus Media software and regularly score above 60. I am losing confidence in using the TEST Pc because I feel that my reactions are causing a mysterious unacceptable click. I would accept the fail if I was scoring 1 and 2s in the test.

There also appears to be no redress or proper appeals procedure in place.

I would greatly appreciate any assistance because I really want to move forward and get my ADI.

Many thanks

[musosmiffy]

This has got to be so frustrating - and all for a silly PC game!

When I had to take my HPT (as a fully qualified ADI - now that is annoying!) I clicked once when I saw an emerging hazard, left it one second (said to myself 1001 - slowly) and then clicked again. I think it is the rapid succession of clicks that causes the problem. Make sure there is at least one second gap between them.

I am sure others will chime in.

Good luck on your next go.

[peter_cary]

Hi,

Sorry to hear of your problems with this "test", however it's the only test I know of where one can fail for being TOO GOOD at the task, the scoring windows where set after trailing with the vast majority of "users" being learners and hence most of the potential hazards don't count.

Most parked cars.
Most pedestrians.
Most warning signs.
Most road markings.

They only actually become a scoring hazard if they "develop", so we have a test where most new drivers do not recognise that the camera car COULD HAVE eliminated most of the "hazards" by changing speed and/or position and give the novice driver the impression it was just "bad luck" that these things "happened" to it.

Once you realise this fact it becomes easier to ignore the hazards that don't "count".

What i advise my clients to do is click when you first see the hazard and click twice more before it vanishes under the wheels of the car.

Hopefully as a more experienced driver you may have to count ONE and then give your first click, or even ONE, TWO, but you should improve on your scores if you try that.

[GTMac]

Many thanks for your advice.

You both made very good points about the time lag between each click and to focus more on the developing hazards.

GTMac

[the undercover adi]

I would agree to a certain extent - the test itself is pointless, as has been proven by the complete lack of effect on KSIs since it's introduction.

However part of the problem lies with the commercial HPT practice CDRoms, which are not an accurate reflection of the HPT itself.

I could score 5 on every click with most of the commercial ones (including the DSAs own), but in the test itself I rapidly realised I needed to adjust to the way the "real" test worked. After getting 2 big fat X's for clicking too often I adjusted and finally scored 60.

Listen to the instructions at the start, and adjust to the way the test itself works - only click WHEN a potential hazard would make you change speed or direction - unlike the real world when you would be anticipating it.

[GTMac]

Many Thanks Undercover ADI for your advice too.

GTMac

[steveuk]

Precisely,have a good laugh. That is what I have decided to call it. This damned thing is not a proven or verified system which neither makes a safe driver nor a professional ADI. It is not based on any research except some academics came up with this idea and briefed some programmers to produce a video with coding to detect motion in the clip. My friends and myself have experienced a lot of problems with clicking. I have been responded on threel occasions with a HUGE BLACK RED X despite being sparing and reasonable with the clicks. On one occasion I had exercised caution and responded with no more than 5 clicks with unequal time gaps but was still met by the gremlin. Once that appears you have had it, you get a fright that ruins your whole session.

On another occasion it revisited me despite adhering to the principles that DSA advocate - that is respond with a thought and not willy nilly. On my final attempt the video clip went black for a few seconds. It was discouraging believe me

I have failed three times and although I am not a negative thinker I am beginning to get disappointed with this gimmick. There is no known laid down procedure for us to get redress and to complain for a refund or to ascertain if the video clip was faulty. This is unfair, gimmicky and plainly useless - just a money making venture for the DSA. I would challenge DSA or any government officials to prove to me that the HPT is effective in contributing to safe and professional driving.

What is your reaction or experience?
Steve Satchit

[General_Fondue]

I'm glad other people have this problem too! I was penalised for seeing the hazard and responding to it. The Hazard Perception test is a passable idea, but it is clear that it is terribly executed. I was told for three clips that I had inappropriately responded, but I quite obviously hadn't.

One thing we need is an Appeal or a complaints system or a way of asking for the clips to be reviewed by the staff at the centre.

Can anyone tell me if there is any way to complain to the DSA?

[vengey]

I failed my hazard perception this morning. Quite frankly, I was gutted. I score 48/50 in the multiple choice, but only 37/75 in the hazard perception. I was really confident coming out of it, as I didn't have even the slightest bit of trouble. I remember thinking "That was easy". Imagine my surprise when I failed.

My driving instructor said it's a common problem. Basically we as people count something as a hazard/developing hazard before the computer opens up its scoring window. As funny as it sounds, people with fast reactions are more likely to fail than those with slower reactions. I'm told it's all in the timing and clicking every few seconds as the hazard goes on. Not so easy to do when they warn you at the start that too many clicks results in a DQ.

I have since ordered a DVD from Amazon which claims to show you when the scoring windows open. Hopefully I'll then manage to pass it. However, I can't help thinking that I'm now learning how to beat a test rather than developing real hazard perception skills. Like others have mentioned, it would be really nice if a REAL person went through your hazard perception playback and just look where you clicked.

I'm not bothered about the money, but the whole experience has left me a bit annoyed.

[Ray Finkle]

However, I can't help thinking that I'm now learning how to beat a test rather than developing real hazard perception skills.

Hit the nail on the head there, it is a common problem (and I'm sure a nice little earner for those involved )

There's some great advice above which I'm sure you've read, it just comes down to getting good at the computer game.

[davidellershaw]

Two things to remember about the HPT (apart from the fact it's a money spinner) the computer is set to allow you around 12 clicks per clip (20 for the double hazard) and the camera is focussed in the middle distance not far ahead as we should use our eyes when driving. I would suggest counting, 1,2,3,4,5 then 1,2,3,4, and 1,2,3,4,5, then perhaps go up to six next time. Also remember you need to spot when the potential becomes a developing hazard with a learners reaction time. The only positive is they are staged and there are only four sets of clips. best of luck david. kissdrive.co.uk

[theorytest]

Hazard perception test forms a second section of the theory test and must be passed at the same time.
Integrating theoretical hazard perception test training into the practical training sessions will ensure that as competence is achieved in each of the necessary skills, they can be strengthened and applied while you are on the road to increase the road safety benefits.
Candidates can score up to five marks on each hazard and the test contains 15 score able hazard.
You click either the left or right mouse button whenever you think you can see a hazard developing. The speed at which you click the mouse button as a hazard develops will determine your score for that particular hazard perception clips. You can score between 0 and 5 on each hazard.
The pass mark for this part of the test is 44 out of 75 (i.e. 15 hazard x 5) for car drivers and motorcycle riders.
Those taking LGV or PCV (lorry or bus) tests must score at least 50 out of 75.
For more information visit the link given below:
http://www.theory-test.co.uk/asp/hazard_perception_info.asp
Hope it helps you for your theory test.
Best of Luck..

[Ray Finkle]

Erm, thanks for that