This series highlights practical, effective road safety initiatives from ESRC members. Each month, we showcase a project that others can learn from, adapt and build on.
Our May spotlight features the ‘Hazard Perception Initiative’, established by Platforma VIZE 0 in Czech Republic to improve road safety for novice drivers by modernising driver licence testing through evidence-based hazard perception and prediction tools that better prepare learners for real traffic situations.
Inspiration behind the initiative
Young and inexperienced drivers remain above average in serious road crashes, accounting for one in five accidents in recent years. Traditional driving tests often emphasised memorising regulations rather than understanding how to apply them in real traffic situations, limiting hazard awareness among novice drivers.
These trends inspired a major reform effort in Czech Republic in 2021, focused on modernising driver testing through realistic hazard perception and better visualisation of real-world scenarios. The tests are accessible to the public, not just driving schools so everyone can learn. By improving how new drivers recognise and respond to risk, the initiative aims to strengthen road safety for at least 100,000 novice drivers each year in Czech Republic, while also reaching wider audiences through public awareness.
Project activities
2021 –2023: Project initiation and pilot testing:
The project began with cooperation between the Ministry of Transport, Czech Insurers’ Bureau, Association of the Driving Schools of the Czech Republic, Czech Police and expert advisers to assess and modernise driver testing. Pilot hazard perception questions were introduced at the end of 2021 to validate the approach and prepare for wider implementation. Implementation ran from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023, with gradual integration into the national testing system via the Ministry Portal.
2022-2023 – Development of new-generation test content:
A complete set of new test materials was created, including 200 static questions, 120 dynamic traffic situation questions, 30 animations (60 variants) and 6 video-based scenarios (18 variants). These were designed to support hazard perception and prediction training and were gradually integrated into the Ministry of Transport’s testing system.
2022-2023- Educational tools and digital platforms:
Interactive educational applications and supporting materials were developed for novice drivers and motorcyclists including videos, animations and methodological guidance. These were made available through national and international websites, including Czech and English versions, enabling wider access and targeted communication with different user groups.
2022-2023 – Dissemination and international presentation:
The project outputs were actively promoted through regular Ministry of Transport press conferences, media campaigns and international events, including presentations at the Mobility Education Summit in Abu Dhabi and CIECA in Vienna, supporting wider recognition and potential adoption abroad.
Outcomes
- The project outputs are now reaching hundreds of thousands of novice drivers annually through cooperation with the Ministry of Transport, with tailored content also developed for motorcyclists as a high-risk group.
- Wider dissemination through media and public communication has extended the impact to over 2 million people, significantly increasing awareness of road safety and hazard perception.
- The project generated significant media impact; in 2022, the estimated advertising value equivalent (AVE) of its media outputs reached CZK 350 million, extending its reach well beyond direct users.
- Early national statistics indicate a reduction in accidents among less experienced drivers, suggesting a potential positive contribution to road safety outcomes alongside broader engagement and behavioural change.
Challenges
- Embedding hazard perception and prediction testing into the national driving licence system required extensive coordination between institutions and alignment with EU regulatory frameworks.
- Demonstrating direct impact is complex, as reductions in accidents among young drivers are influenced by multiple external factors beyond the testing system itself.
- Scaling and adapting the approach for different user groups, particularly motorcyclists, requires tailored content and continuous refinement of test scenarios.
- Ensuring long-term adoption and international uptake depends on sustained cooperation with authorities, funding partners and driving test providers.
Why this initiative has been recognised as Good Practice of the Month
This initiative tackles a major road safety challenge by modernising how novice drivers are prepared and tested, using innovative hazard perception methods shown to reduce crashes among inexperienced drivers. Building on international evidence and enhancing it through interactive simulations, staged scenarios and modern visualisation tools, it strengthens drivers’ ability to anticipate and respond to risk in real traffic situations.
Its strength lies in innovation and collaboration, bringing together public authorities, academia and insurers to deliver a scalable, evidence-based approach. The result is a model with strong potential to strengthen policy, improve driver behaviour and inspire adoption beyond national borders.
For more information
Read more about the project and explore its activities and outcomes here .
Interested in developing a similar national strategy?
Contact the project lead, Libor Budina: lbudina@koop.cz
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