The Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety (CARRS) has been commissioned by Austroads to lead the development of a world-first hazard perception test for heavy vehicle drivers.
The project will be undertaken by CARRS’s Professor Sharon Newman, in collaboration with hazard perception experts, Dr Andrew Hill and Professor Mark Horswill from the University of Queensland.
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.
In a 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.
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.
