UK driving theory test · Topic chapter 6 · 5 min read
Chapter 6: Vulnerable road users
Pedestrians, children, older and disabled people, cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and animals: passing distances, priorities at junctions and crossings, and the people who need extra care. Study notes for the UK driving theory test, built from The Highway Code.
Why this chapter matters
The road users most at risk are pedestrians (especially children, older adults and disabled people), cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists (Rule 204). This is one of the largest topics in the test, and the Highway Code gives exact passing distances and speeds that are easy to examine.
Passing distances
Rule 163 gives these guides when overtaking:
| Road user | Minimum guide |
|---|---|
| Cyclist, at speeds up to 30 mph | 1.5 metres, and more at higher speeds |
| Horse rider or horse-drawn vehicle | Pass at under 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres |
| Pedestrian walking in the road (no pavement) | At least 2 metres, at low speed |
| Motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders | At least as much room as when overtaking a car |
Give even more room in bad weather, high winds and at night. If you cannot leave these gaps, wait behind (Rules 163, 212).
Pedestrians
- At a junction, give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road you are turning into or from (Rules H2, 170).
- Pedestrians who have started to cross ahead of you at a junction or side road have priority (Rule 206).
- When crossing a pavement to reach a driveway, give way to pedestrians and cyclists (Rule 206).
- On narrow rural roads without a pavement, slow down and give walkers plenty of room (Rule 206).
People who need extra care (Rule 207)
| Person | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Child or older pedestrian | May misjudge your speed and step out |
| Older pedestrian crossing slowly | Be patient; do not rev or edge forward |
| Person with a white cane | Blind or partially sighted |
| Person with a white cane with a red band, or a dog with a red and white harness | Deafblind: may not see or hear you |
| Person with hearing impairment | May not know you are approaching |
Cyclists
- Cyclists may ride in the centre of the lane on narrow roads, quiet streets, at junctions and in slow traffic, and groups may ride two abreast. Allow them to do so (Rule 213).
- Cyclists are advised to ride at least a door's width (about 1 metre) from parked cars (Rule 213).
- Do not cut across a cyclist going ahead when you turn; do not turn if it would make them stop or swerve (Rules H3, 211).
- Give way to cyclists in a cycle lane or on a cycle track when you turn across it (Rule 140).
- Give priority to cyclists on a roundabout; do not try to overtake them within their lane. They may stay in the left lane while continuing round, signalling right (Rule 186).
- At advanced stop lines, stop at the first white line when the lights are amber or red, and leave the box clear for cyclists (Rule 178).
- Look before opening your door; the Code suggests using the hand furthest from the door, which makes you look over your shoulder (Rule 239).
Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists and cyclists are easy to miss, especially when coming up from behind, filtering, at junctions and on roundabouts. Always look out for them before you emerge (Rule 211). They may need to swerve suddenly around drain covers, potholes or oily, wet or icy patches, so give them room (Rule 213).
Horse riders and animals
- When you see a horse on the road, slow to a maximum of 10 mph, be patient and do not sound your horn or rev your engine. Pass wide and slow, allowing at least 2 metres (Rule 215).
- Two riders side by side may be accompanying a young or inexperienced horse or rider. Many riders are children.
- Treat all horses as a potential hazard; the Code reminds you that three brains are involved (Rule 215).
- Feral ponies in places such as the New Forest, Exmoor and Dartmoor need the same care (Rule 215).
- If a herd of animals blocks the road, stop and switch off your engine until they have gone (Rule 214).
Children and schools
- A school crossing patrol showing a "Stop for children" sign must be obeyed (Rule 210).
- Drive slowly past a stationary bus showing a School Bus sign (Rule 209).
- Do not park on school entrance zig-zag markings when signs prohibit stopping (Rule 238).
Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs
These travel at up to 8 mph. On a dual carriageway with a limit above 50 mph they must show a flashing amber beacon, but on other roads you may get no such warning (Rule 220).
Learner and older drivers
Be patient with learners and new drivers, who may show a "new driver" plate; make allowance for older drivers whose reactions may be slower (Rules 216, 217).
FAQ
How much room should I give a cyclist?
At least 1.5 metres when overtaking at up to 30 mph, and more at higher speeds (Rule 163).
What does a white cane with a red band mean?
The person is deafblind and may not see or hear you or your signals (Rule 207).
Can cyclists ride two abreast?
Yes. The Code says it can be safer for groups to do so in some situations and asks drivers to allow it (Rule 213).
Check yourself
- What is the maximum speed the Code suggests when you see a horse on the road?
- Who has priority when a pedestrian is waiting to cross the side road you are turning into?
- What should you do if a herd of animals is blocking the road?
- Why might a motorcyclist swerve without warning?
Practise this topic on its own: Vulnerable road users 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.