A heavy vehicle hazard perception test designed specifically for the Australian environment is currently in the works.
Austroads has commissioned Professor Sharon Newnam from the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety to lead the project of designing and delivering the new hazard perception test.
“The project will be undertaken in collaboration with hazard perception experts, Dr Andrew Hill and Professor Mark Horswill from the University of Queensland,” said Austroads.
“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.”
Austroads says hazard perception testing of heavy vehicle licence applicants is a potential method for achieving safety improvements, following the recent review of the National Heavy Vehicle Competency Framework.
The hazard perception testing program will be incorporated into the learning outcomes of the National Heavy Vehicle Competency Framework along with other components being developed in a bid to enhance Australia’s heavy vehicle licensing system.