UK driving theory test · Topic chapter 2 · 5 min read
Chapter 2: Attitude
Courtesy and patience on the road: following distance and tailgating, the hierarchy of road users, giving way at crossings and junctions, flashing headlights, the horn, being overtaken and dealing with bad driving. Study notes for the UK driving theory test, built from The Highway Code.
Why this chapter matters
Attitude questions test whether you drive with patience and consideration. They often describe a situation where another road user is slow, makes a mistake or behaves badly, and ask for the safe and courteous response. The Highway Code is clear that those who can cause the most harm carry the most responsibility.
The hierarchy of road users
The Introduction to the Highway Code sets out a hierarchy of road users. Those most at risk in a collision, namely pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists, sit at the top, with children, older adults and disabled people at greater risk still (Rule H1).
- Drivers of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce danger.
- At a junction, people on foot who are crossing, or waiting to cross, the road you are turning into or out of should be given way to (Rule H2).
- When you turn or change lane, do not cut across a cyclist, horse rider or horse-drawn vehicle that is going straight ahead (Rule H3).
The hierarchy does not remove anyone's duty to behave responsibly.
Keeping your distance
Tailgating means following so closely that you could not stop safely if the vehicle ahead braked suddenly. The Highway Code calls it dangerous and intimidating (Rule 126). Keep at least a two-second gap on faster roads, and more in bad weather (see Chapter 4).
If someone overtakes you and pulls into the gap in front, drop back to restore a two-second gap (Rule 168).
Being overtaken and holding others up
- When someone is overtaking you, keep a steady course and speed, and slow down if necessary to let them pass. Never speed up or drive unpredictably (Rule 168).
- If you are driving a slow or large vehicle and a queue builds behind you, check your mirrors and pull in where safe to let traffic pass (Rule 169).
Crossings
At pedestrian crossings, courtesy and the law overlap (Rules 191 to 199).
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Pedestrian waiting at a zebra crossing | You should give way |
| Pedestrian has stepped onto a zebra crossing | You MUST give way |
| Pelican crossing, flashing amber | Give way to pedestrians on the crossing; go on with caution only if it is clear |
| Anyone still crossing when your light turns green | Give way to them |
| Older or disabled pedestrians | Be patient; do not rev your engine or edge forward |
Do not wave, flash your lights or sound your horn to invite pedestrians across: another vehicle may be coming (Rule 195).
Flashing headlights and the horn
- Flash your headlights only to let others know you are there. Do not use them to send any other message or to intimidate (Rule 110).
- Never assume someone flashing their headlights is inviting you to go. Use your own judgement (Rule 111).
- Use the horn only while moving, to warn others you are there. Never sound it aggressively. You MUST NOT use it while stationary, or in a built-up area between 11.30 pm and 7 am, unless another road user poses a danger (Rule 112).
When others get it wrong
The Code asks you to be considerate (Rule 147):
- try to be understanding; other road users may be inexperienced or not know the area;
- be patient, because anyone can make a mistake;
- do not become agitated or get involved if someone behaves badly; pull over and calm down if you need to;
- if a road user pulls out in front of you at a junction, slow down and hold back to let them clear, and do not drive close behind them to intimidate them.
You MUST NOT throw anything out of a vehicle (Rule 147).
Emergency vehicles
Look and listen for emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens. Do not panic: think about the route they need and let them pass, while still obeying traffic signs. If you pull over, avoid doing so before the brow of a hill, a bend or a narrow section, avoid mounting the kerb and do not brake harshly approaching a junction (Rule 219).
Trams and buses
Give priority to buses and trams when it is safe, especially when they signal to pull away from stops (Rules 223 and 305).
FAQ
Is it ever right to flash my headlights to let someone out?
The Code says headlights should only be flashed to let others know you are there. Flashing them as an invitation can be misread and is not what the signal means (Rules 110 and 111).
Someone is tailgating me. Should I speed up?
No. Speeding up or driving unpredictably is dangerous. Keep a steady speed and, if needed, increase the gap in front of you so you can slow gently.
Can I sound my horn at a driver who has made a mistake?
Not aggressively. The horn is only for warning others of your presence while you are moving (Rule 112).
Check yourself
- Who sits at the top of the hierarchy of road users, and why?
- When must you give way at a zebra crossing, and when should you?
- Between what times must you not use your horn in a built-up area?
- What should you do if a vehicle overtakes you and cuts into the gap in front?
Practise this topic on its own: Attitude drill.
Ready to try a full test? Start UK theory practice test 1.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Based on The Highway Code.