UK PCV Theory Vulnerable Road Users Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the Highway Code, what is the recommended maximum speed and minimum distance you should allow when overtaking a horse and rider?
- 20 mph and a gap of at least 1 metre.
- 15 mph and the width of a car door.
- 10 mph and a gap of at least 2 metres. (Correct answer)
- 30 mph as long as the gap is wide.
Correct answer: 10 mph and a gap of at least 2 metres.
The Highway Code (Rule 215) advises drivers to pass horses wide and slowly. You should slow down to a maximum of 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres of space, being prepared to stop if necessary.
Question 2: You are driving your bus in slow-moving, congested traffic. What particular hazard involving motorcyclists should you be especially vigilant for?
- Stopping suddenly to answer their phone.
- Performing stunts to impress other road users.
- Exceeding the national speed limit in the adjacent lane.
- Filtering between lanes of traffic, potentially in your vehicle's blind spots. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Filtering between lanes of traffic, potentially in your vehicle's blind spots.
Motorcyclists are legally permitted to 'filter' through slow-moving or stationary traffic in the UK. PCV drivers must be highly aware of this, as a motorcycle can easily be hidden in the vehicle's large blind spots. Constant and careful mirror checks are essential before any change in position.
Question 3: You are approaching a Pelican crossing and the traffic light is on flashing amber. A pedestrian is still on the crossing. What is your legal obligation?
- You must wait for the pedestrian to finish crossing before proceeding. (Correct answer)
- You may proceed slowly as long as you sound your horn to warn them.
- You can proceed once they are clear of your lane, even if they are still on the crossing.
- You may proceed with caution as the light is no longer solid red.
Correct answer: You must wait for the pedestrian to finish crossing before proceeding.
The Highway Code (Rule 196) is explicit: at a Pelican crossing, a flashing amber light means you MUST give way to any pedestrians who are still on the crossing. You must not proceed until the crossing is clear.
Question 4: The Highway Code has established a 'hierarchy of road users'. As a PCV driver, what does this principle primarily require of you?
- That vulnerable road users must always give way to buses due to their size.
- To bear the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger you pose to more vulnerable road users. (Correct answer)
- To assert your right of way over smaller vehicles to maintain the bus schedule.
- That all road users share equal and identical responsibilities at all times.
Correct answer: To bear the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger you pose to more vulnerable road users.
The hierarchy of road users (Highway Code Rule H1) places those who can cause the greatest harm (such as drivers of large passenger vehicles) with the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they pose to others, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders.
Question 5: You are about to turn left into a side road. A cyclist is positioned ahead of you in the centre of the lane, not by the kerb. What is the safest course of action?
- Sound your horn to make them move to the kerb.
- Overtake them quickly before making the turn.
- Hold back, wait for the cyclist to clear the junction, and then turn. (Correct answer)
- Edge alongside them to show your intention to turn.
Correct answer: Hold back, wait for the cyclist to clear the junction, and then turn.
A cyclist may adopt the 'primary position' (centre of the lane) for safety, to be more visible, or to avoid hazards near the kerb. Overtaking and then turning left is extremely dangerous and a common cause of collisions ('left hook'). The correct procedure is to hold back and wait for the cyclist to proceed safely through the junction before you make your turn.
Question 6: Which of the following is a primary reason why young children are considered particularly vulnerable as pedestrians?
- They are taught to always cross behind a bus.
- They are legally obligated to yield to all commercial vehicles.
- They have difficulty judging the speed and distance of approaching vehicles. (Correct answer)
- They are less visible because they prefer to wear dark clothing.
Correct answer: They have difficulty judging the speed and distance of approaching vehicles.
Children's cognitive and perceptual skills are still developing, which makes it very difficult for them to accurately judge the speed and distance of traffic. This can lead them to make unpredictable and unsafe decisions, such as running into the road when a vehicle is closer or faster than they realise.
UK PCV Theory Vulnerable Road Users Questions and Answers
According to the Highway Code, what is the recommended maximum speed and minimum distance you should allow when overtaking a horse and rider?