More than half (53%) of new drivers say the current hazard perception test is out of date and in need of modernisation.

LV=s hazard perception test includes modern issues like potholes

That’s the finding of new research from LV= General Insurance, which is urging the Government to update the test.

Introduced in 2002, the current test contains hazards such as cyclists, cars turning ahead and horse riders, but new drivers told LV= that a number of ‘modern’ risks weren’t included. For example, the most common ‘modern’ hazards include potholes (reported by 41% of new drivers), pedestrians on mobile phones (reported by 33%), children on scooters (reported by 21%) and even vape clouds from vehicle windows (reported by 11%). One in six (16%) new drivers say they find it difficult to spot these ‘modern’ hazards.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has supported the call for the test to be updated. Kevin Clinton, head of road safety at RoSPA, said: “In recent years, more accidents have occurred due to ‘modern’ driving hazards. For example, year-on-year we have seen an increase in the number of incidents due to potholes. Our advice to new drivers is to expect the unexpected.”

To help drivers identify new road hazards, LV= has developed a hazard perception test that includes modern hazards found in the research. To take the test, click here.