Vulnerable Road Users
Vulnerable road users are people who are more likely to be injured if there is a collision. They are less protected than
someone inside a car or large vehicle and are often harder to see. This includes pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders,
children, older people and disabled road users. Understanding how to share the road safely with
vulnerable road users is essential for passing the
DVSA driving theory test and for staying safe on real UK roads.
Use this Vulnerable 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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Who are vulnerable road users?
Vulnerable road users are people who have less physical protection and are at greater risk of serious injury if there is a
collision. As a driver or rider, you must give them extra care and consideration at all times.
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Pedestrians – especially children, older people, people with pushchairs, and anyone who might not move or react quickly.
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Disabled pedestrians – including people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walking aids, white canes or assistance dogs.
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Cyclists – they can be affected by potholes, gusts of wind and close overtaking, and may need to move out to avoid hazards.
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Motorcyclists and scooter riders – they are smaller, harder to see and more vulnerable if knocked off their bike.
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Horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles – horses can be easily startled by speed, noise or drivers passing too close.
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Other road users needing extra care – such as people getting on or off buses or trams, school children near crossings, and
people working in the road.
The Highway Code puts a strong responsibility on drivers and riders of larger or more dangerous vehicles to reduce the risk to those who are
more vulnerable. Rules 204–225 explain how you should approach, overtake and give priority to vulnerable road users in
different situations.
Key vulnerable road user rules
As a learner driver or rider, you need to understand how to protect vulnerable road users and can apply the rules
on real roads. Here are the key vulnerable road user rules you should know:
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Always look for vulnerable road users first – check mirrors and blind spots carefully for pedestrians, cyclists,
motorcyclists and horse riders before signalling, changing direction or moving off.
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Reduce your speed where vulnerable road users are likely – for example near schools, shops, residential areas, rural lanes,
cycle lanes, crossings and junctions.
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Give priority to pedestrians at junctions and crossings – be prepared to give way to people already crossing, waiting to
cross, or approaching a junction where you are turning.
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Leave plenty of space when overtaking – give cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists a wide berth and only overtake when it
is safe, legal and you can do so without making them feel rushed or squeezed.
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Be patient – do not rev your engine, sound your horn or drive too close behind vulnerable road users. This can startle them
and increase the risk of a collision.
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Expect the unexpected – children may run into the road, cyclists may swerve to avoid potholes, and horses may shy suddenly.
Be ready to slow down or stop.
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Take extra care in poor visibility – in darkness, rain, fog or low sun, vulnerable road users are even harder to spot. Use
appropriate lights and slow down.
These vulnerable road user rules are based on Rules 204–225 of the UK Highway Code, which cover road users requiring extra care.
Want to see the Highway Code vulnerable road user rules?
View the Highway Code rules for vulnerable road users.
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Common vulnerable road users you'll meet on UK roads
- Children near schools and parks – they may be distracted, run into the road or cross without looking properly.
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Older and disabled pedestrians – they may walk more slowly, have reduced hearing or vision, or need more time to cross.
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People using crossings – including zebra, pelican, puffin and toucan crossings, as well as informal crossing points.
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Cyclists in cycle lanes and at junctions – always check mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes.
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Motorcyclists filtering through traffic – they may be alongside you, especially in slow-moving or queuing traffic.
- Horse riders on rural roads – pass slowly and widely, and be prepared to stop if a horse becomes nervous.
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Road workers and people in the carriageway – such as refuse collectors, delivery drivers, emergency services and road
maintenance crews.
As a learner, it's important to start spotting vulnerable road users early, planning your speed and position so you can protect them and avoid
harsh braking or sudden swerves.
Vulnerable road users in real driving situations
Vulnerable road users are a key part of everyday driving. You'll need to think about them every time you:
- Drive past schools, bus stops, shops or busy town centres where pedestrians may step into the road.
- Use rural or narrow roads where you might meet horse riders, cyclists or walkers in the carriageway.
- Approach junctions, roundabouts and crossings where cyclists and pedestrians may be harder to see.
- Join or leave major roads where motorcyclists might be in your blind spot.
- Drive in poor weather or at night, when vulnerable road users may be poorly lit or wearing dark clothing.
In your practical driving test, examiners will expect you to identify vulnerable road users early, adjust your speed and position, and show
that you are prepared to give way when necessary to keep them safe.
Vulnerable road users theory test questions in the DVSA theory test
Vulnerable road users appear in the multiple-choice part of the DVSA theory test in several ways. You may be asked:
- How you should drive near schools, bus stops, crossings and areas with many pedestrians.
- How to overtake cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders safely.
- How to spot and respond to vulnerable road users in poor weather or low light.
- Which road users are most at risk in different situations, and who you should give priority to.
Explore a sample of the latest DVSA theory test revision questions in Driving Theory 4 All's
theory test questions and answers section.
Source: Department for Transport (GOV.UK) - The Highway Code. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.