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Sharing the Road7 min read

Sharing the Road with Cyclists & Motorcyclists

Cyclists and motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. The examiner checks whether you give them space, anticipate their movements, and check for them before turning at junctions.

The full guide

Cyclists and motorcyclists are vulnerable because they have little protection in a collision. The examiner is constantly checking whether you give them enough space, anticipate their movements, and check for them before turning at junctions. A moment of inattention can cause a serious incident.

The minimum safe passing distance for a cyclist is 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, dangerous, and a serious fault on a driving test. Never squeeze past a cyclist in the same lane — they may need to swerve to avoid potholes or drains.

Cyclists often ride in the centre of the lane — this is called primary position and is a defensive riding technique. It prevents unsafe overtaking and keeps them away from parked car doors and drains. Do not pressure them to move over. Wait patiently and overtake only when it is safe and you can give plenty of room.

At junctions, cyclists may be in your blind spot or may filter past on your left. Always check your left mirror before every left turn. Cyclists may also be approaching from behind on the left at traffic lights. Signal early, check your blind spot, and give them time and space before turning.

Motorcyclists are faster and more agile than cyclists, but they are still vulnerable. They can accelerate quickly and may overtake when you do not expect it. Check your mirrors frequently and be aware of motorcyclists in your blind spots before changing lanes or turning.

Common faults

  • Passing cyclists too closely — less than 1.5 metres
  • Not checking the left mirror before turning left
  • Squeezing past cyclists in narrow lanes or traffic
  • Not anticipating cyclists filtering on the left at traffic lights
  • Cutting across cyclists when turning left at junctions
  • Opening a car door without checking for approaching cyclists
  • Not giving motorcyclists enough space or awareness

What the examiner looks for

  • You give cyclists at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking
  • You check your left mirror before every left turn
  • You wait patiently when you cannot overtake a cyclist safely
  • You anticipate cyclists filtering on the left at traffic lights
  • You do not cut across cyclists when turning at junctions
  • You check for motorcyclists in your blind spots before changing lanes

Quick tips

  1. 1Treat cyclists as vehicles — they have the same right to the road as you
  2. 2A cyclist in the middle of the lane is not being awkward — they are being safe
  3. 3Before every left turn, check your left mirror — cyclists filter on the left
  4. 4If you cannot give 1.5 metres of space, wait — it is not worth the risk
  5. 5Motorcyclists can appear suddenly — check mirrors and blind spots before every lane change

Common questions about sharing the road with cyclists & motorcyclists

How much space should I give a cyclist 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 dangerous and a serious fault on your driving test.
Why do cyclists ride in the middle of the lane?
This is called primary position and is a defensive riding technique. It prevents unsafe overtaking, keeps the cyclist away from drains and parked car doors, and makes them more visible to other road users. It is a legal and recommended practice.
Should I indicate before overtaking a cyclist?
Only if there is traffic behind you or ahead of you that needs to know your intention. If the road is clear, a signal may not be necessary. However, always check your mirrors and blind spot before moving out, and give the cyclist plenty of space.
What is the Dutch reach and why does it matter?
The Dutch reach is opening your car door with your far hand — your left hand if you are in the driver's seat. This forces you to turn your body and look behind you, making it much more likely you will spot an approaching cyclist before opening the door.
Can cyclists ride two abreast?
Yes, and it is often safer. Riding two abreast makes the group more visible and reduces the length of road needed to overtake. The Highway Code recommends riding no more than two abreast and moving to single file when it is safe for vehicles to overtake.
What should I do if a motorcyclist is filtering through traffic?
Be aware that motorcyclists may filter between lanes of slow-moving or stationary traffic. Check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Do not obstruct filtering motorcyclists deliberately. Give them space and be predictable in your movements.

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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Sharing the Road with Cyclists & Motorcyclists | The DTC