Why video-based SJTs are the future of hazard perception

The road does not offer multiple-choice questions when a situation turns critical. Success behind the wheel or on a motorcycle is not just about knowing the rules of the road; it is about the split-second decisions you make when a hazard begins to develop.

For years, licensing systems have focused heavily on knowledge tests and supervised hours. While these are essential, the highest-risk period for any road user is the transition to unsupervised driving or riding. This is where hazard perception becomes your most vital asset. However, across different jurisdictions, the availability and quality of Hazard Perception Tests (HPT) remain inconsistent. This is particularly true for motorcyclists, who face a distinct set of risks that are often overlooked in standard car-based assessments.

Recent research, including the Austroads Literature Review on Hazard Perception Tests (February 2026), highlights a growing need for realism and valid measurement in road safety assessments. To meet this need, we are seeing a shift away from simple reaction-time 'click tests' toward a more robust methodology: the video-based Situational Judgement Test (SJT). By dropping learners into real-world situations, we can assess their judgement safely and at scale.

Hazard perception is judgement, not just reaction

It is a common misconception that hazard perception is simply about how fast you can click a button when you see danger. In reality, safe driving and riding require sophisticated cognitive processing. You must scan the environment, interpret subtle cues, anticipate potential outcomes, and then select the safest response. This is the definition of judgement.

When we frame hazard perception as a Situational Judgement Test (SJT), we align it with a well-researched assessment method used in high-stakes environments globally. An SJT presents you with a realistic scenario and asks you to choose the most effective course of action. In a road safety context, this means moving beyond 'did you see the car?' to 'how will you respond to the car pulling out?'.

At Compono, we believe that assessing this level of nuance is critical for building high-performing road users. Our platform, Compono Assure, operationalises this by using video-based scenarios that measure actual judgement rather than just simple reflexes. This ensures that learners are not just fast, but safe and deliberate in their decision-making processes.

The power of video-based SJTs

Why does video matter so much in an SJT? The answer lies in fidelity. A text-based description of a hazard requires the learner to use their imagination, which can lead to inconsistent interpretations. Video-based SJTs increase fidelity by presenting realistic cues – such as movement, timing, occlusion, and traffic context – exactly as they appear in the real world.

Research by McDaniel et al. (2007) in the Journal of Applied Psychology has shown that SJTs provide significant incremental validity in assessments. Furthermore, video-based versions offer a closer 'point-to-point' correspondence to real-life tasks. For a learner, this means the experience is much closer to actual driving. They learn to recognise the shimmer of a ball rolling into the street or the slight drift of a distracted driver before the hazard becomes an emergency.

This realistic exposure is a core component of Compono's People Intelligence Platform, which focuses on using data-driven insights to understand and improve human behaviour. By applying these assessment principles to road safety, we can identify exactly where a learner's judgement might be failing and provide targeted interventions before they hit the road alone.

Addressing the motorcycle readiness gap

One of the most pressing issues in current road safety policy is the lack of motorcycle-specific hazard perception coverage. Riders are significantly more vulnerable than car drivers, and the hazards they face are fundamentally different. Surface risks like gravel or oil, visibility issues at intersections, and the complexities of lane positioning require a different set of scanning habits.

A 'copy-paste' approach from car driver testing is not enough. To truly prepare riders, we need dedicated scenario libraries that reflect the unique perspective of a motorcyclist. Using video-based SJTs allows jurisdictions to create these specific environments safely. A rider can practice judging a 'smidsy' (Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You) situation a dozen times in a digital environment, building the mental models necessary to survive it on the road.

By using a scalable platform like Compono Assure, jurisdictions can deploy these specialised motorcycle HPTs consistently. This ensures that every rider, regardless of their location, is held to the same high standard of readiness. It is about equity in safety – ensuring that the most vulnerable road users have access to the best possible preparation.

What good looks like in hazard assessment

As jurisdictions look to modernise their licensing systems, several principles should guide the development of scenario-based HPTs. First and foremost is the resistance to 'gaming' the test. Simple click-based tests can often be memorised or passed through sheer repetition. A true SJT approach uses large item banks and varied scenarios to ensure the learner is actually judging the situation, not just the test format.

Clarity and standardisation are also vital. Instructions must clearly define what constitutes a hazard and what a safe response looks like. This consistency allows for fair assessment across thousands of learners. Finally, the best assessments include a feedback loop. When a learner makes a poor judgement in a video scenario, they should understand why it was unsafe and have the opportunity to practice that specific cue recognition again.

This methodical approach is what transforms a simple test into a genuine learning tool. It moves the needle from 'compliance' to 'capability'. When we focus on the science of judgement, we create road users who are better equipped to handle the ambiguity and pressure of modern traffic environments.

The national opportunity for consistency

Currently, hazard perception preparation is uneven across national jurisdictions. This creates a disparity in road safety outcomes. A national move toward standardised, video-based SJTs for all vehicle classes – including motorcycles – represents a significant opportunity to improve public safety.

By adopting a consistent, evidence-aligned method, policy makers can have greater confidence in the readiness of new drivers and riders. This approach is not experimental; it is an established methodology that can be audited, updated, and scaled. It provides a clear, data-backed baseline for what 'safe' looks like in 2026 and beyond.

Key takeaways

• Hazard perception is a measure of judgement and cue interpretation, not just reaction speed.
• Video-based SJTs provide high-fidelity realism that mimics real-world road conditions.
• Motorcycle riders require specific scenario-based testing to address their unique vulnerabilities.
• Consistent national standards for HPT can reduce the risk for new, unsupervised road users.
• Modern platforms like Compono Assure enable the scalable rollout of validated assessment methods.

Where to from here?

• Explore:
  • Compono Assure
  • Rider Licensing
• Talk to an expert: Book in a 15-minute chat to get a walkthrough of Compono.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Situational Judgement Test (SJT) in road safety?

An SJT is an assessment method that presents learners with realistic road scenarios and asks them to choose the safest or most effective response. It measures judgement and decision-making rather than just basic knowledge or reflexes.

Why is video better than text for hazard perception?

Video provides 'high fidelity', meaning it contains the same visual cues – such as speed, timing, and movement – that you encounter while driving. This makes the assessment more realistic and effective than reading a description of a hazard.

How do SJTs help prevent accidents?

By training and assessing a learner's ability to recognise hazards early, SJTs help build safer scanning habits. This allows drivers and riders to anticipate danger and act before a situation becomes critical.

Is motorcycle hazard perception different from car driving?

Yes. Riders face unique hazards like road surface changes and higher visibility risks. Dedicated motorcycle HPT scenarios are essential to ensure riders are prepared for the specific challenges of being on two wheels.

Can hazard perception tests be standardised nationally?

Absolutely. With digital platforms capable of deploying assessments at scale, a national standard becomes not only possible but practical. This ensures consistent safety outcomes regardless of where a learner is located.