Kerala Hazard Perception Test 2026: What Learners in Kattanam Need to Know
Published 2026-10-04 · Maria MDS, Kattanam
From December 2026, getting a driving licence in Kerala involves one more test. The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) is introducing a computer-based Hazard Perception Test, the first state in India to do so. If you're starting lessons in Kattanam now, this will very likely apply to you.
Why Kerala added this test
The MVD's circular says most road accidents come from inattention and poor judgement when a hazard is developing. The existing ground and road tests can't check things like night driving, bad weather, or reacting to something unexpected ahead. A hazard perception test measures exactly that: whether you notice danger early enough to act.
How the test works
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Format | Computer-based, video clips of real road situations |
| Number of clips | 10, each about 1 minute long |
| Hazards per clip | Up to 2 |
| Marks | 10 per clip, 100 total |
| Pass mark | 60 out of 100 |
| Scoring | Click as soon as you see a hazard developing; late clicks lose marks |
You must pass this test before you're allowed to take the ground ('H' or '8') and road tests.
Where it fits in the licence process
The new sequence has four stages:
- 1Online learner's licence test
- 2A mandatory 30-day gap
- 3Hazard Perception Test (computer-based)
- 4Ground test and road test
When does it start?
Onmanorama reports the test applies from 1 December 2026. One Malayalam report gives 31 December instead, so confirm the exact date with your school or the Mavelikkara SRTO before booking your slot. Either way, anyone taking the driving test this winter should prepare for it.
What counts as a "hazard"?
A hazard is anything that could make you slow down, stop or steer away. On roads around Kattanam, typical examples include:
- A pedestrian stepping off the edge of KP Road where there's no footpath
- A bus pulling out from a stop without signalling
- A child or cyclist coming out of a side lane
- A two-wheeler overtaking on your left in slow traffic
- An auto-rickshaw braking suddenly to pick up a passenger
- A vehicle approaching a blind corner in the middle of a narrow road
The skill being tested is timing. Click when the hazard starts to develop, such as the bus indicator coming on or the child appearing at the lane, not when it's already in front of you.
How to prepare
- 1Practise with video tests. The MVD has said many open-source hazard perception tools are available. Use them until spotting early signs becomes automatic.
- 2Talk through hazards while you drive. During lessons, say out loud what you notice: "bus at the stop, might pull out." Instructors call this commentary driving.
- 3Look further ahead. Most late reactions come from staring just past the bonnet. Scan 10–15 seconds ahead.
- 4Watch the edges. In Kerala, the hazard is usually at the road's edge: pedestrians, parked vehicles, side roads.
- 5Don't click randomly. Treat each click as a real decision.
Hazard perception training at Maria MDS
The MVD has directed authorised driving schools to include hazard perception training straight away. At Maria MDS, we're adding it to every car and two-wheeler course. Learners from Kattanam, Bharanikkavu, Pallickal and nearby areas can join at 3rd Mile, Kattanam.
Book a slot on WhatsApp or call +91 70345 81417.
Sources: Onmanorama, 14 Sep 2026; Kerala Kaumudi, 17 Jun 2026; Times Kerala.