THE world's first test to use film footage to assess drivers' ability to identify potential road dangers as they develop was launched by Alistair Darling, Secretary of State for Transport, last month.

The new driving theory test will incorporate a 'hazard perception test' which comprises a selection of film clips, showing real road scenes and potential hazards. People sitting the test will be assessed on how soon they spot the dangers. Each candidate will be tested on 14 film clips chosen at random from a series of 200.

Over one million people take their driving test every year. However, one in five new drivers has an accident in the first 12 months following their test.

Research has shown new drivers take up to two seconds longer to recognise hazardous situations than more experienced drivers. Driving techniques such as scanning the road ahead and looking for potential hazards can help learner drivers improve their awareness of dangers when driving.

The new hazard perception test is being incorporated into the current driving theory examination from November 14.

Alistair Darling said: "Too many accidents involve new drivers and it is therefore essential they are aware of road hazards from the start.

"Nearly 10 people die on our roads every day and we are committed to reducing that number. By concentrating on these danger awareness skills as soon as people start to drive they are given a valuable lesson for life making the road safer for them and all road users.

"This new test is a world first and a credit to the Driving Standards Agency."

Gary Austin, Driving Standards Agency's chief executive, said: "Hazard perception testing will encourage learner drivers to spend more time developing danger-awareness skills that are second nature to more experienced drivers.

"We are committed to ensuring the driving test is a rigorous assessment of a person's proficiency to drive and cope with the challenges of being a driver.

"The danger awareness dimension of the test will be an additional check to ensure new drivers are fully prepared."

For more information, contact the DSA Press Office on 0115 901 2852/3.

The new hazard perception test will form part of the current screen based theory test. Failure to pass either the existing multiple-choice section or the hazard perception test will result in failure of the whole test.

The new driving theory test will cost £18 from November 14. The fee increase of £2.50 covers part of the cost of delivering the new test.

To support trainers and drivers in their preparations for the new test, the Driving Standards Agency has published an official guide to the new section.

The guidance consists of a RoadSense video, pupils' booklet, tutor guide and handouts. Copies have been distributed free of charge to over 55,000 training bodies in the driver-rider training industry.

DSA has also produced a short introduction video which explains how the test works.

During the early months of introduction this will be distributed free of charge to all candidates along with their test appointment.