About other road users (sharing the road)
This domain tests how you share the road with people who are more vulnerable or have different vehicle characteristics: pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, trucks, buses, horse riders and road workers. The exam expects specific clearance and speed rules, not just ‘be careful’.
Core rules
- Pedestrians: give way to people on a pedestrian crossing; slow for school patrols; when turning, watch for pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.
- Cyclists: pass at least 1.5 metres away at speeds up to 60 km/h and 2 metres at higher speeds. Cyclists may ride two abreast; give them room at intersections and do not cut across cycle lanes.
- School buses: when a school bus is stopped with warning signs flashing, slow to 20 km/h and pass carefully in both directions.
- Motorcyclists: treat them as full vehicles; do not share their lane; check blind spots.
- Trucks and buses: avoid blind spots, do not cut in front, and allow extra time.
- Horses: slow down, pass wide and quiet; do not rev or honk.
- Road workers: obey temporary signs and temporary speed limits.
Worked example
You are on an 80 km/h road and want to overtake a cyclist. At that speed, leave at least 2 metres. If you cannot leave 2 metres safely, wait behind until you can. Clearance increases with speed because wind and passing distance affect the cyclist’s stability.
Traps
Passing a cyclist with only 1 metre; speeding past a stopped school bus; overtaking a truck then braking sharply in front; opening a door into a cyclist’s path; and assuming a horse will move out of the way.