Theory test / Vulnerable road users
Vulnerable road users theory test questions
Up to date with the current Highway CodeLast reviewed October 2026
Vulnerable road users are the people most likely to be hurt in a collision: pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists, with children, older adults and disabled people at the greatest risk. This topic checks that you know how to share the road with them, how much room to give, and who has priority at junctions and crossings. It carries a lot of questions in the theory test because most serious injuries involve one of these groups.
Since January 2022 the Highway Code has opened with the hierarchy of road users. Rule H1 says those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm bear the greatest responsibility to take care. Rule H2 says that at a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road you are turning into or out of. Rule H3 says you should not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles going ahead when you turn, whether they are in a cycle lane, on a cycle track or on the road.
The numbers to learn come mostly from Rules 163 and 215. Leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking a cyclist at up to 30 mph, and more at higher speeds. Pass horse riders and horse drawn vehicles at under 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres. Give a pedestrian walking in the road at least 2 metres and keep your speed low. Rule 207 adds a sobering fact: at 40 mph your car will probably kill a pedestrian it hits, while at 20 mph there is only a 1 in 20 chance of a death.
Learners often get caught out by questions where the vulnerable road user seems to be doing something unusual. A cyclist riding in the middle of the lane on a narrow road, two cyclists side by side, or two horses in double file are all allowed and often safer for them (Rules 213 and 215). The right answer is almost always to be patient and wait, not to sound the horn or squeeze past. Similarly, a cyclist in the left lane of a roundabout signalling right is continuing round, and Rule 186 says you must not cut across them.
Some questions test recognition. A pedestrian with a white cane may be blind or partially sighted, and a white cane with a red band, or a dog in a red and white harness, means the person may be deafblind (Rule 207). Powered mobility vehicles travel at up to 8 mph (Rule 220). When you park, Rule 239 suggests opening your door with the hand on the opposite side, which turns your body so you see cyclists coming up behind.
Try 5 free questions
No account needed. Pick an answer to see whether it is right and why.
You are turning left into a side road. A pedestrian is waiting at the kerb to cross that side road. What should you do?
The free questions with answers
1. You are turning left into a side road. A pedestrian is waiting at the kerb to cross that side road. What should you do?
Answer: Give way and let them cross
Rule H2 says you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning. This applies whether you are turning left or right.
Highway Code rules H2, 170
2. You want to overtake a cyclist on a 30 mph road. What is the minimum gap the Highway Code advises?
Answer: At least 1.5 metres
Rule 163 advises leaving at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30 mph, and more space at higher speeds. If you cannot give that much room, wait behind.
Highway Code rules 163, 212
3. You see a horse rider ahead on a country road. How should you pass them?
Answer: At no more than 10 mph with at least 2 metres of space
Rule 215 says slow down to a maximum of 10 mph when you see a horse and pass wide and slow, allowing at least 2 metres. Horses are flight animals and can move very quickly if startled.
Highway Code rules 215, 163
4. You are about to turn left. A cyclist in the cycle lane on your left is riding straight on past the junction. What should you do?
Answer: Wait for the cyclist to pass before turning
Rule H3 says you should not cut across cyclists going ahead when you turn, and this includes riders in a cycle lane. Do not turn if it would make them stop or swerve.
Highway Code rules H3, 182
5. Under the hierarchy of road users, who bears the greatest responsibility to reduce danger to others?
Answer: Those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm
Rule H1 says those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in a collision bear the greatest responsibility. This applies most strongly to drivers of large vehicles, vans, cars and motorcycles.
Highway Code rule H1
Questions people ask
- How much room should I give a cyclist when overtaking?
- Rule 163 says leave at least 1.5 metres at speeds up to 30 mph and more at higher speeds. If you cannot give that much room safely, stay behind until you can.
- Do pedestrians have priority when I turn into a side road?
- Yes. Under Rule H2 you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road you are turning into or out of, whether you are turning left or right.
- Is it legal for cyclists to ride two abreast?
- Yes. Rules 66 and 213 say riding two abreast can be safer, particularly in groups or with children. Wait until it is safe to overtake with the proper amount of room.
- What speed should I pass a horse at?
- Slow to a maximum of 10 mph when you see a horse, and pass wide and slow with at least 2 metres of space, as Rule 215 sets out. Do not sound your horn or rev your engine.
Other theory test topics
Rule references: The Highway Code (GOV.UK), Open Government Licence v3.0. Questions and explanations are written by PassRank and are not the official DVSA revision questions.