Hazard perception app videos won't play? What to try, and where else to practise

If a hazard perception practice app will not play its clips, close and reopen the app, restart your phone, then check for app and software updates, in that order. If it still fails, contact the app's developer, ask for a refund if you bought it recently, and practise with the 3 free clips on gov.uk meanwhile.

A practice app failing does not affect your real test. gov.uk describes the theory test as one you take at a test centre, where you switch off your own devices before you go in (gov.uk: when you arrive at the test centre), so your phone plays no part on the day. We checked every Apple, Google and gov.uk page below on 25 October 2026.

Step 1: Apple's troubleshooting steps

Apple's page if an app on your iPhone or iPad stops responding, closes unexpectedly or won't open gives these steps, in this order:

1. Force the app to close, then open it again.
2. Restart your iPhone or iPad, then open the app again.
3. Check for updates. In the App Store, tap your profile icon and look at app updates. If there is no update for the app, update your device's software.
4. Delete the app and download it again. Apple warns that you may lose data that was stored in the app, so check whether your progress is saved to an account first.

If you use Android, the same order is a sensible start: close the app, restart the phone, then update the app from Google Play.

Step 2: if the error mentions Low Power Mode

Some app error messages ask you to check that your phone is not in Low Power Mode. Apple's page use Low Power Mode to save battery life says Low Power Mode reduces power use by limiting certain features. To turn it off:

• On iPhone 15 and later, go to Settings, then Battery, then Power Mode.
• On iPhone 14 and earlier, go to Settings, then Battery, and turn off Low Power Mode.
• You can also turn it off from Control Centre.

If the clips still will not play with Low Power Mode off and a charged battery, the problem is likely in the app itself rather than your settings, so move on to step 3.

Step 3: tell the developer

The developer is the only one who can fix a bug in its app. Apple's page how to contact an app developer says to open the App Store, find the app, scroll to the Ratings & Reviews section and tap App Support.

Tell them your phone model, your software version, the app version and the exact error message. A screenshot of the error helps.

Step 4: ask for a refund

If you paid for an app whose clips will not play, you can ask for your money back.

• App Store: Apple's page request a refund for apps or content you've bought from Apple says to sign in at reportaproblem.apple.com, choose "I'd like to", then "Request a refund", choose a reason, then select the item. Apple says to wait 24 to 48 hours for an update.
• Google Play: Google's refund policy for apps and in-app purchases says you may be able to get a refund within 48 hours of buying. After that, Google says to contact the developer.

If you are on a subscription, a refund request does not cancel it. See how to cancel a theory test app subscription to stop future charges.

Keep practising while you wait

You do not have to stop revising while an app is broken.

• gov.uk's free practice test lets you practise with 3 hazard perception clips for free (gov.uk: take a practice theory test). gov.uk says these clips are not used in the real test, but show you how the test works.
• The other official products. gov.uk's revision and practice page also lists the official guide to hazard perception and the Official DVSA Theory Test Kit online for your PC or Mac, so a computer is an option if your phone is the problem.
• Practise without a screen. On lessons or as a passenger, say out loud what might happen next and why. Our page on memorised hazard perception clips explains how to keep training the skill without new clips.

For how the real test is scored, see the hazard perception test explained and clicked too early and scored 0?.

What theorytest.ai offers

theorytest.ai is a web-based UK car theory test practice site, independent and not affiliated with the DVSA. It does not offer hazard perception clips at the moment, so use the free gov.uk clips and official products above for this part. It covers the multiple-choice part, which runs in a web browser with no app to install.

Start free

While your hazard practice is on hold, check the multiple-choice half. Take the free 10-question theorytest.ai diagnostic: no payment and no account, and it shows which topics to work on first.

Frequently asked questions

Why won't my hazard perception app play videos?

The cause depends on the app. Apple's steps are to close and reopen it, restart your phone, update the app and your software, then delete and reinstall it. If that fails, contact the developer.

Will a problem with my phone affect my real hazard perception test?

No. You take the real test at a test centre, and gov.uk says to switch off your own devices before you go in.

Can I get a refund if a hazard perception app doesn't work?

You can ask. Apple takes requests at reportaproblem.apple.com. Google says you may get a refund within 48 hours of buying, and after that to contact the developer.

Where can I practise hazard perception for free?

gov.uk's practice theory test includes 3 free hazard perception clips.