You take the risk perception test at the exam center, along with the practical driving test. The test measures your hazard recognition: how well and how quickly you notice that a traffic situation can become dangerous.
What is the risk perception test?
You take the test on a computer. You will see a video of about 30 seconds showing a realistic traffic situation, and you indicate which possible hazards you see in it. The test measures your hazard recognition: how well and how quickly you notice that a situation can become dangerous. That forward-looking and anticipating makes the difference between an accident and a safe response.
Where does the test fit into your driving education?
After your theory exam and your practice period with the provisional driving license, you will take your practical exam. This consists of two parts:
- the risk perception test,
- the practical driving test (about 40 minutes, including preliminary checks, maneuvers, and a section of independent driving).
The risk perception test may take place before or after the practical driving test, depending on your exam center. You will receive your result only after you have completed both parts.
How do you prepare?
You train hazard recognition by learning to look consciously. Look far ahead instead of just at the car in front of you, scan the entire situation, and learn which images often indicate a hazard: a crossing pedestrian, a cyclist next to you, children by the road, an opening door of a parked car, or a confusing intersection. The more realistic situations you practice, the faster you will recognize the hazards. You actually build that skill during your theory preparation, where hazard recognition is also addressed.
We are developing a practice module
At eTheory, we are currently working on a practice module for the risk perception test, so you can also practice this part specifically, in the same style as the actual test. Leave your email address, and you will be the first to know as soon as it is available.
We will use your email address only to notify you about the risk perception module.
Useful Links and Official Sources
- The Practical Exam and the GOCA-Risk Perception Test (GOCA)
- Practical Exam Driving License B (Vlaanderen.be)
Frequently Asked Questions
A computer test in which you indicate which hazards you see in videos of about 30 seconds. It is part of your practical exam.
No. In Belgium, it is part of the practical exam, not the theory.
At the exam center, before or after the practical driving test.
Further reading: Provisional Driving License B after your theory · Exam Preparation · Free Practice Exam