World First Hazard Perception Test For HV Drivers

Austroads has commissioned Professor Sharon Newnam from the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety to lead a new project to design, develop, and deliver a heavy vehicle hazard perception test for the Australian environment.

The project will be undertaken in collaboration with hazard perception experts Dr Andrew Hill and Professor Mark Horswill from the University of Queensland.

The association of the Australian and New Zealand transport agencies says hazard perception is one of the few driving-specific skills consistently found to be associated with crash risk.

“In many jurisdictions across the world, light vehicle drivers are required to achieve a passing score on a computer-based hazard perception test before being allowed to progress to an unrestricted driver licence. To date, hazard perception tests have not been developed specifically for use in heavy vehicle licensing,” it says.

In the recent review of the National Heavy Vehicle Competency Framework, Austroads identified hazard perception testing of heavy vehicle licence applicants as a potential method for achieving safety improvements.

Austroads says the hazard perception testing program will be incorporated into the learning outcomes of the National Heavy Vehicle Competency Framework and will complement other components being developed as part of a broad suite of enhancements to Australia’s heavy vehicle licensing system.

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