The DTC
Junctions & Hazards7 min read

Pedestrian Crossings & Vulnerable Road Users

Pedestrian crossings, cyclists, and horse riders are some of the most vulnerable road users. The examiner is looking for your awareness, patience, and willingness to give them time and space.

The full guide

Pedestrian crossings exist to keep people safe, but they are also one of the most common places driving tests go wrong. The examiner is watching whether you spot crossings early, approach at the right speed, and stop promptly when someone is waiting to cross.

There are several types of crossing. Zebra crossings have black and white stripes on the road and flashing amber beacons. You must give way to anyone who has stepped onto or is clearly waiting to step onto the crossing. Pelican crossings have traffic lights — you stop on red and may proceed on flashing amber only if the crossing is completely clear. Puffin crossings also have lights, but they use sensors to detect when pedestrians have finished crossing, so the lights stay red until it is safe to go. Toucan crossings allow cyclists and pedestrians to cross together.

School crossing patrols — often called lollipop people — have legal authority to stop traffic. When they step into the road with their sign raised, you must stop and remain stopped until they return to the pavement. Failing to stop for a school crossing patrol is a serious offence.

Cyclists are vulnerable because they have little protection in a collision. Give them at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking — more at higher speeds. Be especially careful at junctions, where cyclists may be in your blind spot or may be filtering past on your left. Horse riders are also vulnerable. Pass them slowly, giving plenty of room, and avoid revving your engine or sounding your horn, which could startle the horse.

Common faults

  • Not slowing down when approaching a pedestrian crossing
  • Failing to stop when a pedestrian is waiting at a zebra crossing
  • Driving over a crossing while pedestrians are still on it
  • Overtaking another vehicle that has stopped at a crossing
  • Not giving cyclists enough space when overtaking
  • Not checking for cyclists in blind spots at junctions
  • Passing horse riders too quickly or too closely

What the examiner looks for

  • You spot crossings early and reduce your speed in good time
  • You stop promptly at zebra crossings when pedestrians are waiting
  • You wait until pedestrians have completely cleared the crossing before moving
  • You do not overtake on the approach to or at a crossing
  • You give cyclists at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking
  • You check your blind spots for cyclists before turning at junctions
  • You pass horse riders slowly, with plenty of room, and calmly

Quick tips

  1. 1At zebra crossings, if you can see a pedestrian waiting, you should be preparing to stop
  2. 2Never overtake at a crossing — even if the crossing seems clear
  3. 3Check your left mirror before every left turn — cyclists often filter on the left
  4. 4Give cyclists as much room as you would a car when overtaking
  5. 5When passing horses, go slowly, make no sudden noises, and give them a wide berth

Common questions about pedestrian crossings & vulnerable road users

Do I have to stop at a zebra crossing if someone is just standing there?
If they appear to be waiting to cross, yes. Use your judgement — if they are looking at the crossing or standing at the kerb edge, assume they want to cross and stop. It is better to stop unnecessarily than to fail to stop for someone who then steps out.
Can I go on a flashing amber light at a pelican crossing?
Only if the crossing is completely clear of pedestrians. If anyone is still on the crossing or approaching it, you must wait. The flashing amber means proceed with caution, not proceed regardless.
How much space should I give cyclists when overtaking?
At least 1.5 metres at speeds up to 30 mph, and more at higher speeds. If you cannot give this much space safely, wait until you can. Passing too closely is intimidating and dangerous.
What should I do if a horse rider signals right but stays on the left?
They may be asking you to slow down or wait. Pass them only when it is safe and you have plenty of room. Horses can be unpredictable, so err on the side of caution.
Are cyclists allowed to ride on the pavement?
Generally no — cycling on the pavement is illegal for adults. However, children under 10 are not legally responsible, and some areas have shared-use paths. Always be alert for cyclists on pavements near crossings and driveways.
What is the difference between a pelican and a puffin crossing?
Pelican crossings have a flashing amber phase for vehicles, and pedestrians use a flashing green man. Puffin crossings use sensors to detect pedestrians on the crossing, so the red light stays on for vehicles until everyone is clear. There is no flashing amber phase at a puffin crossing.

Ready to put this into practice?

These guides are a great starting point, but nothing replaces working with a DVSA-approved instructor who can give you real-time feedback.

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Pedestrian Crossings & Vulnerable Road Users | The DTC