Sharing the road: pedestrians, cyclists and other road users
What this domain tests
Sharing the road questions focus on the people most likely to be hurt: pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, children and workers. The test expects you to give them space and time, and to anticipate behaviour that is legal but easy to miss.
Key groups
- Pedestrians: give way at zebra and pedestrian crossings once someone is on the crossing; slow down near schools, bus stops and markets. Look for people stepping out from between parked cars.
- Cyclists: leave a safe gap, at least a metre at low speed and more at higher speed. Do not overtake a cyclist just before a junction or bend. Check for cyclists before opening a door.
- Motorcyclists: they are small in the mirror and can be hidden in blind spots; check twice before pulling out or changing lane.
- Buses and heavy vehicles: they have large blind spots and need room to turn. Do not overtake a stationary bus that may have passengers alighting.
- Animals: slow down and pass wide; horses and livestock can be unpredictable.
Worked example
A cyclist is ahead on a narrow road and you want to turn left shortly after. Overtaking and then cutting across to turn would force the cyclist to brake. The correct plan is to hold back, let the cyclist clear the junction, and then turn behind them.
Traps
Passing a cyclist too closely; overtaking a bus at a stop; assuming a pedestrian has seen you; and sitting in a truck's blind spot. Vulnerable road users have less protection, so the responsibility for a safe pass rests with you.