Sharing the Road with Other Users
This domain tests whether you can predict what pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, trucks and emergency vehicles will do - and leave them the room they need.
Pedestrians
Yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, and never pass a vehicle that has stopped at one; someone may be crossing in front of it. Watch for children near school zones, parks and parked cars.
Cyclists and motorcyclists
- When passing a cyclist, leave at least one metre of clearance where practical; if you cannot, wait until it is safe.
- Cyclists may move toward the centre of the lane to avoid potholes, parked cars or debris - give them the lane rather than squeezing past.
- Motorcyclists are entitled to a full lane. Never share a lane with one, and check twice at intersections, where they are easily hidden.
Large trucks and buses
Trucks have large blind spots - the "No-Zone" - along both sides, directly behind and in front of the cab. If you cannot see the driver's mirror, the driver cannot see you. Trucks need far more room to stop and swing wide before a right turn, so never pass on the right as one turns. Avoid cutting in front of a truck after passing.
Emergency vehicles and roadside workers
When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside worker with lights flashing, move into another lane if there is one, or slow to 60 km/h or the posted limit if it is lower.
School buses and slow-moving vehicles
Stop for a school bus with flashing red lights in both directions on an undivided road. An orange triangle marks a slow-moving vehicle; pass only when you can see far enough to complete it.
Worked example. A cyclist ahead hugs the curb, then swerves out to avoid a parked car's open door. Squeezing past leaves no room, so you brake, wait for the cyclist to settle, then pass with a full metre of clearance.
Traps. Assuming a truck driver has seen you, and passing a bus that has just stopped.