Road Safety
- Publication no: AP-T388-26
- ISBN: 978-1-923617-14-8
- Published: 4 February 2026
- PDF (free) Download
The purpose of this report is to identify the characteristics of effective Hazard Perception Tests (HPTs) for novice drivers. Evidence suggests that strong performance on HPTs positively correlates with safe driving, indicating HPTs have an important role to play in ensuring drivers have the skills necessary to safely respond to hazards on the road.
This literature review provides an analysis of current literature to identify the characteristics of HPTs, offering an overview of the strengths and limitations of different testing paradigms including the different approaches to hazard perception testing and how hazard perception is measured. The review also considers evidence regarding links between hazard perception testing and safety outcomes (e.g. crashes), procedural aspects of hazard perception (e.g. instructions, number of times the test can be taken and the inter-test interval), interventions for improving hazard perception, and the potential use of HPTs to identify individuals who may have an increased risk of crashing.
Representing a significant contribution to research in Hazard Perception Tests for novice drivers, this report provides key insights into the characteristics of HPTs and suggests further research into this technology will be an important component in the move to reduce road trauma across Australia and New Zealand.
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1 Purpose
- 1.2 Scope
- 1.3 Background
- 2. Methodology
- 3. Characteristics of HPTs
- 3.1 Hazard perception
- 3.2 Measurement of Hazard Perception
- 3.2.1 Hazard Perception Test
- 3.2.2 Hazard prediction test
- 3.2.3 Hazard Perception Test versus hazard prediction test, which is best?
- 3.3 Test format
- 3.4 Selection of HPT items
- 3.5 Test instructions
- 3.6 Timing of HPT
- 3.7 Implications of HPT Failure
- 3.7.1 Time delay to re-test after failed attempt
- 3.7.2 Interventions for improving hazard perception performance
- 3.7.3 Using failed HPT attempts to identify individuals at risk of crashing or other unsafe behaviour
- 4. HPT Validity
- 5. Safety Effects of HPTs
- 5.1 Mechanisms through which HPTs influence safety
- 6. Conclusion
- References
Austroads’ literature review of hazard perception tests identifies what makes these tests effective, with a particular focus on novice drivers. It shows that the ability to anticipate and respond to hazards is a critical skill linked to safer driving and reduced crash risk.