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Vulnerable Road Users: all 41 questions and answers

Question 1

You notice a child running out between parked cars. What should you do?

  1. Sound your horn and flash lights
  2. Slow down, be prepared to stop, and watch for more children
  3. Swerve to the other side of the road
  4. Accelerate past quickly

If one child has run out, there may be others about to follow. Slow down, be prepared to stop, and watch carefully for more children. They may not be aware of the danger.

Question 2

How should you overtake a horse and rider?

  1. As quickly as possible
  2. Slowly and with plenty of room
  3. Close and at normal speed
  4. By sounding your horn first

Horses can be easily startled. Pass them slowly, giving them plenty of room. Do not sound your horn or rev your engine as this could frighten the animal.

Question 3

You are driving past a line of parked cars. You notice a ball bouncing out into the road ahead. What should you do?

  1. Continue driving at the same speed
  2. Sound your horn
  3. Slow down and be prepared to stop for children
  4. Stop and wait for the ball to be collected

A ball bouncing into the road is a clear warning that a child may follow. Slow down and be ready to stop. Children are unpredictable and may run out without looking.

Question 4

What should you do when you see an older person crossing the road ahead?

  1. Sound your horn to hurry them along
  2. Flash your lights to warn them
  3. Be patient and give them plenty of time
  4. Rev your engine to alert them

Older people may take longer to cross the road and may not see or hear you easily. Be patient and give them plenty of time to cross safely.

Question 5

You are turning left at a junction. What should you check for?

  1. Oncoming traffic on the main road
  2. Pedestrians about to cross the road you are turning into
  3. The speed of traffic behind you
  4. Traffic signals at the next junction

When turning left, always check for pedestrians who are crossing or about to cross the road you are turning into. They have priority if they are already crossing.

Question 6

What does a flashing green beacon on a vehicle mean?

  1. A police car on an emergency call
  2. A fire engine on its way to a fire
  3. A doctor on an emergency call
  4. A breakdown recovery vehicle

A flashing green beacon is used by a doctor answering an emergency call. Give way where possible, but you are not legally required to do so as you are with blue lights.

Question 7

You see a person in a wheelchair on the pavement. What should you be aware of?

  1. They will always stay on the pavement
  2. They may need to use the road if pavements are narrow or obstructed
  3. They are always accompanied by another person
  4. They cannot cross the road

Wheelchair users may need to use the road if pavements are narrow, obstructed, or have no dropped kerbs. Be alert and give them plenty of space.

Question 8

You are driving near a school. What TWO main hazards should you be aware of?

  1. Parked cars and children crossing
  2. Road markings and speed bumps
  3. Traffic wardens and police officers
  4. Double yellow lines and bus stops

Near schools, the main hazards are parked cars reducing visibility and children who may run into the road unexpectedly. Drive slowly and stay alert.

Question 9

A cyclist has moved to the centre of the road ahead. What is the most likely reason?

  1. They are being inconsiderate
  2. They are preparing to turn right
  3. They want you to overtake on the left
  4. They have lost control of the bicycle

A cyclist moving to the centre of the road is most likely preparing to turn right. Be patient and give them time and space to complete the manoeuvre safely.

Question 10

You are approaching a zebra crossing. Pedestrians are waiting to cross. What should you do?

  1. Give way to them
  2. Wave at them to cross
  3. Slow down and sound your horn
  4. Continue at the same speed if you arrived first

Under the updated Highway Code (2022), pedestrians waiting at a zebra crossing have priority. You should stop and give way to them.

Question 11

What should you do when passing cyclists in wet weather?

  1. Sound your horn to let them know you are behind
  2. Pass them as quickly as possible
  3. Give extra space as they may swerve to avoid puddles and drain covers
  4. Drive closer to them so spray does not reach them

In wet weather, cyclists may need to change course suddenly to avoid puddles, potholes, or slippery drain covers. Give them extra room when overtaking.

Question 12

Under the hierarchy of road users, which road users are considered most at risk in a collision?

  1. Pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists
  2. Bus and coach drivers
  3. Drivers of large goods vehicles
  4. Drivers of vans and pick-ups

The hierarchy of road users prioritises protecting those most at risk in collisions: pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists. Drivers bear greater responsibility for reducing danger to them (Highway Code Rules H1-H3).

Question 13

When overtaking a cyclist at speeds of up to 30 mph, what is the minimum gap you should leave?

  1. 0.5 metres
  2. 1 metre
  3. 1.5 metres
  4. 3 metres

You should leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30 mph, and give more space at higher speeds (Highway Code Rule 163).

Question 14

You want to pass a horse rider on a country road. What speed and clearance does the Highway Code advise?

  1. No more than 20 mph, leaving 1 metre
  2. No more than 10 mph, leaving at least 2 metres
  3. No more than 30 mph, leaving 1.5 metres
  4. Any speed, as long as you sound your horn first

Reduce your speed to a maximum of 10 mph and pass horse riders leaving at least 2 metres of space. Remember there are three brains at work when you pass a horse (Highway Code Rule 215).

Question 15

A school crossing patrol displays a 'Stop for children' sign. What must you do?

  1. Slow down and drive past carefully
  2. Sound your horn to warn the children
  3. Wave the children across and keep moving
  4. Stop and wait until the sign is withdrawn

You MUST stop when a school crossing patrol shows a 'Stop for children' sign. This is a legal requirement, not just advice (Highway Code Rule 210).

Question 16

What is the maximum speed of a powered mobility vehicle used by a disabled person on the road?

  1. 4 mph
  2. 12 mph
  3. 8 mph
  4. 16 mph

Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters used by disabled people travel at a maximum of 8 mph, so allow for their slow speed (Highway Code Rule 220).

Question 17

Why should you avoid sounding your horn or revving your engine when passing animals on the road?

  1. It wastes fuel unnecessarily
  2. It could startle the animals and cause danger
  3. It is only permitted in built-up areas
  4. It damages the horn mechanism

Pass animals slowly with plenty of clearance and do not sound your horn or rev your engine near them, as this could frighten them and cause a dangerous situation (Highway Code Rule 214).

Question 18

Two cyclists are riding side by side ahead of you. How should you respond?

  1. Be patient; cyclists are allowed to ride two abreast
  2. Sound your horn until they ride single file
  3. Overtake immediately in the same lane
  4. Drive close behind to encourage them to move over

Cyclists may ride two abreast, and this can be safer for groups. Be patient and allow for it, overtaking only when it is safe with adequate clearance (Highway Code Rule 213).

Question 19

Traffic is queuing near a pedestrian crossing. What should you do?

  1. Stop on the crossing so you stay close to the car ahead
  2. Edge forward onto the crossing when pedestrians clear
  3. Straddle the zig-zag lines to leave room
  4. Keep the crossing completely clear and don't enter it unless you can clear it

In slow-moving or queuing traffic you should keep pedestrian crossings clear and not enter them unless you can clear them completely (Highway Code Rule 192).

Question 20

The lights at a pelican crossing have changed to green but a pedestrian is still crossing. What should you do?

  1. Sound your horn to hurry them along
  2. Give way and let them finish crossing
  3. Drive around them slowly
  4. Rev your engine so they know you are waiting

You must give way to anyone still on the crossing after the signals change to green, and never harass pedestrians by revving your engine or edging forward (Highway Code Rules 198 and 194).

Question 21

Why are you asked to check your mirrors and blind spots carefully before turning at a junction?

  1. To check your speedometer reading
  2. To make sure your indicators are working
  3. Motorcyclists and cyclists are small and easily missed
  4. Large vehicles may be reversing behind you

Motorcyclists and cyclists are difficult to spot, especially at junctions. Check mirrors and blind spots carefully before turning (Highway Code Rule 211).

Question 22

How much room should you give a motorcyclist when overtaking them?

  1. Half a car's width
  2. Just enough to avoid touching
  3. The same as you would when passing a parked car
  4. At least as much space as you would give a car, with more in bad weather

Give motorcyclists and cyclists space equivalent to a car's overtaking distance, allowing extra room in bad weather and at night (Highway Code Rule 212).

Question 23

You are driving in a Home Zone. What is expected of you?

  1. Drive slowly and carefully, expecting people using the whole street
  2. Use your horn frequently to warn residents
  3. Maintain the national speed limit
  4. Keep your headlights on main beam

In Home Zones and Quiet Lanes you should drive slowly and carefully, as these areas are shared with pedestrians and children who may use the whole of the road (Highway Code Rule 218).

Question 24

A stationary school bus is dropping off children ahead. How should you pass it?

  1. At normal speed but with your hazard lights on
  2. Slow down significantly and watch for children
  3. Quickly, before the children get off
  4. Only after sounding your horn twice

Slow down significantly when passing a stationary school bus, as children may run out from in front of or behind it (Highway Code Rule 209).

Question 25

At what speed does a collision with a pedestrian typically become fatal, according to the Highway Code?

  1. 20 mph
  2. 25 mph
  3. 40 mph
  4. 60 mph

At 40 mph a collision will typically kill a pedestrian, whereas at 20 mph there is only around a 1-in-20 chance of the pedestrian being killed (Highway Code Rule 207).

Question 26

An elderly driver ahead of you is reacting slowly to changing traffic conditions. What should you do?

  1. Flash your headlights to speed them up
  2. Overtake at the first opportunity regardless of visibility
  3. Follow closely to encourage them along
  4. Be patient and make allowance for slower reactions

Older drivers may have slower reaction times; you should allow for this and be patient (Highway Code Rule 216).

Question 27

A learner driver ahead stalls at a junction. How should you react?

  1. Be patient and allow them time as they develop their skills
  2. Sound your horn to remind them to move
  3. Drive around them on the wrong side of the road
  4. Report them to the driving school

Learner drivers are still developing their skills and may make mistakes such as stalling. Be patient with them (Highway Code Rule 217).

Question 28

You are about to open your car door after parking on a street. What technique reduces danger to passing cyclists?

  1. Opening the door quickly to minimise the time it is open
  2. Using the hand furthest from the door, so you turn and look behind (the Dutch Reach)
  3. Opening the door only halfway
  4. Flashing your hazard lights before opening the door

Open doors using the opposite-hand technique known as the Dutch Reach. This makes you turn your body and look over your shoulder for cyclists and other traffic (Highway Code Rule 239).

Question 29

You are waiting to emerge from a junction and a cyclist is passing across your path. What should you do?

  1. Edge out slowly so they know you are there
  2. Emerge quickly before the cyclist reaches you
  3. Wait and give way, looking all around before emerging
  4. Sound your horn and pull out

Take extra care at junctions: watch for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians, give way to them, and look all around before emerging (Highway Code Rule 170).

Question 30

A pedestrian has started crossing the side road you are turning into. Who has priority?

  1. You, because vehicles always have priority on the road
  2. Whoever arrived at the junction first
  3. You, if you signalled before they stepped out
  4. The pedestrian - you should give way to them

At junctions, traffic should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road into which you are turning (Highway Code Rules H2 and 170).

Question 31

Why should you take extra care where your view of a pedestrian crossing is blocked by queuing traffic?

  1. Pedestrians may be crossing between the vehicles where you can't see them
  2. The crossing lights may be broken
  3. Queuing vehicles may roll backwards
  4. The road surface near crossings is usually slippery

Where your view of a crossing is blocked by queuing or parked vehicles, pedestrians may be crossing out of sight, so take extra care (Highway Code Rule 193).

Question 32

You are approaching a bus stop where a bus has just pulled in. What extra hazard should you look for?

  1. The bus reversing into the traffic
  2. Pedestrians getting off and crossing the road near the bus
  3. The bus doors opening into your lane
  4. Cyclists boarding the bus

Give priority to buses when safe to do so, and watch out for pedestrians getting off a bus who may cross the road in front of or behind it (Highway Code Rule 223).

Question 33

Why do trams present a particular danger to pedestrians and other road users?

  1. They travel faster than any other vehicle in towns
  2. Their brakes are weaker than a car's
  3. They move quietly and cannot steer to avoid people
  4. They always have priority at zebra crossings

Trams move quietly and cannot steer to avoid obstacles or people, so everyone must take extra care around them (Highway Code Rule 224).

Question 34

At night, why might a pedestrian wearing reflective material be safer than one in dark clothing?

  1. Reflective material keeps them warmer so they walk faster
  2. Reflective material is a legal requirement for all pedestrians
  3. Drivers must always stop for reflective clothing
  4. Drivers can see reflective material about three times farther away

Reflective materials such as armbands or jackets can be seen by drivers around three times farther away than non-reflective clothing in darkness (Highway Code Rule 3).

Question 35

A cyclist ahead swerves suddenly away from the kerb. What is the most likely reason?

  1. They are avoiding a road hazard such as a pothole or drain
  2. They are showing off to other cyclists
  3. They want you to overtake immediately
  4. They are signalling that the road is closed

Cyclists may change direction suddenly to avoid road hazards such as potholes, drains or debris. Allow for this and keep a safe distance (Highway Code Rule 213).

Question 36

You are driving through a busy shopping area. How should you adjust your driving?

  1. Keep to the middle of the road away from shoppers
  2. Drive slowly and carefully, expecting pedestrians to step into the road
  3. Use your horn regularly to warn pedestrians
  4. Follow the vehicle ahead closely so pedestrians can't step out

Drive slowly and carefully in shopping areas, residential zones and other places where pedestrians may step into the road (Highway Code Rule 206).

Question 37

According to Rule H1, who bears the greatest responsibility for reducing danger on the road?

  1. Pedestrians, because they can stop instantly
  2. Cyclists, because they are hard to see
  3. Those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm
  4. All road users share exactly equal responsibility

Under the hierarchy of road users, those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm bear the greatest responsibility for reducing danger, although all road users must behave responsibly (Highway Code Rule H1).

Question 38

You see a slow-moving vehicle ahead with a flashing amber beacon. What does this tell you?

  1. It is an emergency vehicle you must let pass
  2. It is turning right at the next junction
  3. It has broken down and must be overtaken immediately
  4. It is slow-moving or stationary - approach with caution

Flashing amber beacons warn of slow-moving or stationary vehicles, such as maintenance vehicles or mobility scooters. Approach them cautiously (Highway Code Rule 225).

Question 39

An ambulance approaches from behind with flashing lights and siren on. How should you respond?

  1. Pull aside to let it pass, without creating a hazard or breaking the law
  2. Brake hard and stop exactly where you are
  3. Speed up to stay ahead of it
  4. Mount the pavement to clear the road

Pull aside for emergency vehicles using flashing lights and sirens, but do so safely and without creating a hazard, such as stopping in a dangerous place or mounting the kerb (Highway Code Rule 219).

Question 40

When overtaking a cyclist at speeds above 30 mph, how does the recommended clearance change?

  1. It stays fixed at 1.5 metres at all speeds
  2. You should give more than 1.5 metres of space
  3. It reduces to 1 metre because you pass more quickly
  4. No minimum applies above 30 mph

The 1.5-metre minimum applies at speeds up to 30 mph; at higher speeds you should give cyclists even more space when overtaking (Highway Code Rule 163).

Question 41

You are following a horse rider approaching a junction. Where should you position your vehicle?

  1. Alongside the horse so the rider can see you
  2. Close behind so you can overtake straight after the junction
  3. Remain behind the horse rider until it is safe to pass
  4. On the opposite side of the road, level with the horse

At junctions you should remain behind cyclists and horse riders rather than trying to pass, taking extra care and giving way where needed (Highway Code Rule 170).

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