Pedestrian crossings in the theory test: zebra, pelican, puffin and toucan
Updated •4 min read
A zebra crossing with a central island is two separate crossings, so you only give way to pedestrians on your side of the island. A pelican crossing that goes straight across is one crossing, even with an island (Highway Code rules 195 and 197).
The difference catches people out in the theory test because the two types behave in opposite ways. This page sets out the rules on gov.uk, rule by rule. For the markings around crossings, see our road markings guide; for who else needs extra care, see pedestrians and vulnerable road users.
The four main crossings compared
| Crossing | What to do | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Zebra | You must give way when a pedestrian has moved onto the crossing. | 195 |
| Pelican | You must stop when the red light shows; give way on flashing amber. | 196 |
| Puffin and toucan | There is no flashing amber phase. | 199 |
| Equestrian | There is no flashing amber phase. | 199 |
All the rule text is from the Highway Code section "Using the road" (gov.uk: rules 159 to 203).
Zebra crossings and central islands (rule 195)
Rule 195 says you must give way when a pedestrian has moved onto a zebra crossing. On a parallel crossing the same applies to cyclists. A zebra crossing with a central island is two separate crossings.
In practice, that means the pedestrian already past the island is not on your crossing. A question will usually ask who you must give way to, so check which side of the island each person is on.
Pelican crossings (rules 196 and 197)
At a pelican crossing, you must stop when the red light shows. When the amber light flashes, you must give way to any pedestrians on the crossing.
Rule 197 says that a pelican crossing that goes straight across is one crossing, even if it has a central island. You should wait for pedestrians crossing from the other side of the island too.
Puffin, toucan and equestrian crossings (rule 199)
Rule 199 says these crossings have no flashing amber phase. If the crossing is not working, proceed with extreme caution and do not enter unless you can fully clear it.
Rules for all crossings
- Zig-zag lines (rule 191): you must not park on a crossing or in the area covered by zig-zag lines, and you must not overtake the moving vehicle nearest the crossing.
- Queuing traffic (rule 192): keep crossings clear, and do not enter one unless you can fully clear it.
- Blocked view (rule 193): take extra care where queuing or parked vehicles block your view, because pedestrians may be crossing between stationary vehicles.
- Hurrying people (rule 194): give pedestrians plenty of time to cross, and do not rev your engine or edge forward.
- After the signal changes (rule 198): give way to anyone still crossing when your signal turns green.
Learning the differences
The simplest way to remember the rules is to ask two questions: does the crossing have a flashing amber, and does it have a central island. Zebra and pelican crossings treat an island differently, so learn that pair together.
Our Highway Code guide explains where these rules fit in revision, and the free practice questions let you try them in the question format. If you are booking your test, the test centres page lists centres by city. Crossings where a road meets a railway are covered in our level crossings guide.
Check what you remember
Try the free theorytest.ai diagnostic to see whether crossings are a weak area. theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA. Gov.uk does not publish test questions, so we cannot say how many are about crossings.
Frequently asked questions
Is a zebra crossing with a central island one crossing or two?
It is two separate crossings, according to rule 195. You give way to pedestrians on your side of the island.
Is a pelican crossing with a central island one crossing or two?
A pelican crossing that goes straight across is one crossing, even with an island. Wait for people crossing from the other side too.
What do you do at a pelican crossing when the amber light flashes?
Give way to any pedestrians on the crossing. You must stop when the red light shows.
What is the difference between a puffin and a toucan crossing?
The Highway Code groups them together in rule 199: neither has a flashing amber phase.
Can you park on zig-zag lines?
No. Rule 191 says you must not park on a crossing or in the area covered by the zig-zag lines.