Hierarchy of Road Users
The hierarchy of road users is a set of rules that puts those most at risk in a collision, like
pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, at the top of the hierarchy. It makes clear that drivers of larger,
heavier vehicles have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they pose to others. Understanding the
hierarchy of road users is essential for passing the
DVSA driving theory test and for staying safe on
real UK roads.
Use this Hierarchy of Road Users guide to learn the key rules for learner drivers, see how they apply in
everyday driving, and help you prepare for the UK
car theory test,
motorcycle theory test,
HGV / LGV theory test,
PCV theory test, or
ADI Part 1 DVSA theory test.
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What is the hierarchy of road users?
The hierarchy of road users is a safety framework that recognises that some people on the
road are more vulnerable than others. Those who can cause the greatest harm, like drivers of large vehicles,
carry the greatest responsibility to act in a way that reduces danger to people who are more at risk.
At the top of the hierarchy are pedestrians, especially children, older people and disabled
people. Next are cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists,
followed by drivers of cars and taxis, and then larger vehicles like vans, lorries and buses further down
the hierarchy.
The hierarchy does not remove the responsibility of any road user. Everyone still has a
duty to act safely and considerately, but those in charge of bigger, heavier vehicles are expected to take
extra care, particularly around vulnerable road users.
Key hierarchy of road users rules
As a learner driver or rider, you need to show that you understand how the hierarchy of road users affects
the way you drive or ride. Here are the key hierarchy rules you should know:
-
Road users who can cause the greatest harm (for example drivers of large vehicles) have the greatest
responsibility to reduce the danger they pose to others.
-
Pedestrians, especially children, older people and disabled people, are at the top of
the hierarchy because they are most at risk if a collision happens.
-
Cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists are also vulnerable and you must give them
plenty of space, particularly when overtaking or passing at junctions.
-
As a driver or rider, you should take extra care where people walk, cycle or ride. For example, near
schools, crossings, junctions, rural lanes and shared spaces.
-
Even if another road user has made a mistake, you should still do everything you reasonably can to
avoid danger and reduce the risk of a collision.
-
Being higher in the hierarchy (for example as a pedestrian or cyclist) does not give you the right to
behave in a way that puts yourself or others at risk. Everyone must use the road responsibly.
These hierarchy of road users rules are based on the Introduction rules H1-H3 of the UK
Highway Code, which explain how responsibility is shared between different road users. Want to see
the Highway Code hierarchy of road users rules?
View the Highway Code hierarchy of road users rules.
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Hierarchy of road users in real driving situations
The hierarchy of road users is not just a theory test concept - it should guide how you drive every day.
You'll use it whenever you:
- Approach pedestrian crossings, school entrances or busy town centres where people may step into the road.
- Overtake or pass cyclists, horse riders or motorcyclists and need to give them plenty of
space and time.
- Turn at junctions or roundabouts where pedestrians and cyclists may be crossing your path.
- Drive large or heavy vehicles that could cause more harm if a collision occurs.
In your practical driving test, examiners will expect you to show good awareness of vulnerable road users,
adjust your speed and position to protect them and avoid driving in a way that puts others at unnecessary
risk.
Hierarchy of road user questions in the DVSA theory test
The hierarchy of road users appears in the multiple-choice part of the DVSA theory test, especially in
questions about vulnerable road users and sharing the road safely. You may be asked:
- Which road users are most at risk in a collision.
- How you should behave around pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders or motorcyclists.
- What extra responsibility drivers of large vehicles have towards more vulnerable road users.
- How to prioritise safety when different road users are involved in the same situation.
Explore a sample of the latest DVSA theory test revision questions in Driving Theory 4 All's
theory test questions and answers
section.
Do I need to know the hierarchy of road users for my UK DVSA theory test?
Yes. The hierarchy of road users is a key part of modern UK road safety guidance and is relevant to the
theory test for
car,
motorcycle,
HGV / LGV,
PCV and
ADI Part 1
learners. You should understand who is most at risk on the road, who carries the greatest responsibility and
how to adjust your driving to protect vulnerable road users.
The best way to learn this is to revise with DVSA-style questions and explanations, then test yourself with
realistic mock theory tests that include scenarios involving different types of road users.
Take a free DVSA practice theory test
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Source: Department for Transport (GOV.UK) - The Highway Code. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.