PCV Vulnerable Road Users 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: You are driving a bus on a residential street and see children playing near the kerb. What should you do?

Sound your horn to warn them
Maintain your speed as they are on the pavement
Slow down and be prepared to stop, as children may run into the road (Correct answer)
Flash your headlights to get their attention

Correct answer: Slow down and be prepared to stop, as children may run into the road

Children playing near the road are unpredictable and may suddenly run into the carriageway. You should slow down and be prepared to stop immediately.

Children are among the most vulnerable road users because they have limited awareness of traffic dangers, may act impulsively, and are smaller and harder to see. When children are playing near the kerb, there is always a risk they will chase a ball, run after a friend, or simply step into the road without looking. PCV drivers must reduce speed and cover the brake pedal, ready to stop immediately. Sounding the horn is inappropriate as it could startle children into running in an unpredictable direction. The Highway Code specifically warns drivers to be cautious around children, particularly near schools, parks, and residential areas.

Question 2: When approaching a pelican crossing, you see a flashing amber light. What should you do?

Accelerate to clear the crossing quickly
Stop and wait for the green light
Give way to any pedestrians still on the crossing, then proceed if clear (Correct answer)
Sound your horn to hurry pedestrians

Correct answer: Give way to any pedestrians still on the crossing, then proceed if clear

A flashing amber light at a pelican crossing means you must give way to any pedestrians still on the crossing, but you may proceed if the crossing is clear. Do not wave pedestrians across as this could be dangerous.

The flashing amber phase at a pelican crossing is unique to this type of crossing. It follows the red light and means pedestrians already on the crossing have right of way. However, if the crossing is completely clear, you may proceed without waiting for the green signal. For PCV drivers, this is particularly important because large vehicles take longer to clear crossings and may block sightlines. You should never try to intimidate pedestrians into hurrying by revving the engine or edging forward. Elderly pedestrians and those with mobility difficulties may need extra time. Puffin crossings have replaced many pelican crossings and use sensors to detect pedestrians, so they do not have a flashing amber phase.

Question 3: How should you react when you see a person with a white stick at a pedestrian crossing?

Treat them the same as any other pedestrian
Sound your horn so they know you are there
Be prepared for them to take longer to cross and give them extra time (Correct answer)
Flash your lights to signal them to cross

Correct answer: Be prepared for them to take longer to cross and give them extra time

A person carrying a white stick may be blind or partially sighted. They may take longer to cross and may not be aware of your presence. Give them extra time and space.

A white stick indicates that the person is visually impaired. They rely on tactile paving, audible crossing signals, and their other senses to navigate. A white stick with red bands indicates the person is both deaf and blind. PCV drivers must be especially patient and give these pedestrians extra time. Never sound your horn, as this can be frightening and disorienting. Do not wave them across even if another pedestrian tells you they are waiting, as they cannot see your gesture. If someone with a white stick is waiting at a crossing, be prepared to stop for longer than usual. Some visually impaired pedestrians may be accompanied by a guide dog, which should also be given time and space.

Question 4: You are overtaking a cyclist on a narrow road. What is the minimum safe passing distance recommended?

0.5 metres
1.0 metre
1.5 metres (Correct answer)
2.0 metres

Correct answer: 1.5 metres

The Highway Code recommends giving cyclists at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking at speeds up to 30 mph, and at least 2 metres at higher speeds. For large vehicles like buses, even more space may be needed.

The updated Highway Code (2022) introduced clearer guidance on overtaking distances for cyclists. At speeds up to 30 mph, drivers should leave at least 1.5 metres. At higher speeds, at least 2 metres is recommended. For PCV drivers, this is especially important because the size and aerodynamic effect of a bus or coach can be very intimidating and physically destabilising for cyclists. The bow wave of air pushed ahead of a large vehicle and the suction effect as it passes can cause a cyclist to wobble or even fall. If there is not enough room to overtake safely, you must wait behind the cyclist until the road widens or oncoming traffic clears. Patience is essential — never squeeze past a cyclist.

Question 5: What special consideration should you give to motorcyclists when driving your PCV?

None, they should look after themselves
They are easily hidden in your blind spots and affected by your vehicle's slipstream (Correct answer)
They should always give way to buses
Sound your horn before overtaking them

Correct answer: They are easily hidden in your blind spots and affected by your vehicle's slipstream

Motorcyclists can easily be hidden in a PCV's blind spots. Additionally, the slipstream from a large vehicle like a bus can buffet a motorcyclist, causing them to lose control.

Motorcyclists face two specific dangers from PCVs: blind spots and aerodynamic effects. A bus or coach has significant blind spots, particularly alongside the vehicle, at the rear, and on the nearside (left). A motorcyclist riding in these areas may be completely invisible to the driver. Always check mirrors thoroughly before changing lanes or turning. The aerodynamic effect is also significant — the turbulent air created by a large moving vehicle can push a motorcyclist sideways or cause their vehicle to become unstable. This is particularly dangerous in wet conditions when road grip is reduced. Be extra vigilant at junctions where motorcyclists may be filtering through traffic.

Question 6: You are approaching a toucan crossing. What makes this crossing different from a pelican crossing?

It is only for pedestrians
Both pedestrians and cyclists can use it together (Correct answer)
It is only for cyclists
It has no traffic lights

Correct answer: Both pedestrians and cyclists can use it together

A toucan crossing allows both pedestrians and cyclists to cross together. The name 'toucan' comes from 'two can' cross. Cyclists do not need to dismount at a toucan crossing.

Toucan crossings are designed for shared use by pedestrians and cyclists. Unlike at pelican and puffin crossings, cyclists do not need to dismount — they can cycle across. This is particularly common where cycle paths cross roads. For PCV drivers, this means you must be aware that both pedestrians and cyclists may be on the crossing simultaneously, and cyclists will cross more quickly than pedestrians. Toucan crossings use the same red/amber/green traffic light sequence for drivers but have a combined pedestrian and cycle signal. They are often wider than standard pedestrian crossings to accommodate both types of user. Always check the crossing is completely clear before proceeding.

PCV Vulnerable Road Users 2

You are driving a bus on a residential street and see children playing near the kerb.
What should you do?