Sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists and other road users
Sharing the road tests whether you can predict the mistakes of people more vulnerable than you. Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and heavy vehicles all need extra room, and the examiner looks for specific behaviours rather than general courtesy.
Pedestrians
- Give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing and to pedestrians crossing the road you are turning into.
- Approach crossings at a speed that lets you stop; do not overtake a vehicle stopped at a crossing.
- Take extra care near schools, markets, bus stops and villages, where children and older people may step out.
Cyclists and motorcyclists
- Leave at least a metre of clearance when passing a cyclist, and more at higher speeds.
- Check your mirror and shoulder before opening a door into the road.
- Look twice at junctions: a motorcycle or bicycle is small and easy to miss.
- Never squeeze past a rider on a narrow bridge or bend; wait behind.
Trucks and buses
- Heavy vehicles have large blind spots, need much more room to stop and swing wide when turning.
- Do not overtake a truck that is turning; you may be crushed against the kerb.
- Do not cut in front of a truck after overtaking; leave a gap.
- Give school buses room when children are boarding or alighting.
Animals and rural roads
- Slow down for livestock, horses and dogs; they are unpredictable.
- Pass animals slowly and without revving or sounding the horn.
Worked example
You are behind a cyclist on a narrow road with traffic approaching in the opposite direction. The cyclist is holding a steady line. Do you squeeze past? No. There is not enough room to leave a metre and stay clear of oncoming traffic, so you slow down, stay behind and pass only when the oncoming lane is clear and you can give the rider full clearance.
Traps
- Assuming cyclists will move aside for you.
- Opening a door without checking.
- Passing a stopped school bus while children are crossing.
- Sitting in a truck's blind spot alongside the cab.