Sharing the Road: Pedestrians, Cyclists and Vulnerable Users
This domain tests how you protect people with less crash protection than a car: pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, children, older people and people with disabilities. The exam expects patience and space, not horn use or close passes.
Key rules
- At a zebra crossing, give way to pedestrians on the crossing; approach at a speed that lets you stop.
- When overtaking a cyclist, leave plenty of room; a cyclist may swerve for a pothole, drain or parked car.
- Slow down near schools, buses and playgrounds; children may step out without looking.
- Give motorcyclists and cyclists a full lane where possible; do not squeeze past.
- Be cautious around animals and livestock; slow down and leave room.
Worked example
A cyclist ahead signals right but then swerves left around a pothole. You hang back instead of passing. Reasoning: the cyclist's signal shows intention, but road surface hazards can force a sudden change; passing at that moment would leave no room for error. Waiting two seconds avoids a collision.
Traps that cost marks
- Passing a cyclist too closely because the road is narrow.
- Honking at a pedestrian who is already crossing.
- Assuming a child has seen your vehicle.
- Overtaking a school bus that is unloading children.
- Forgetting that older pedestrians may need more time.