Pedestrians and vulnerable road users in the theory test: who gives way and what to do
Updated •5 min read
If a pavement is closed because it is not safe, take extra care if you are directed to walk in or cross the road. The Highway Code says so in rule 35, and it is one of several pedestrian questions the theory test can ask.
This page covers the rules on pedestrians and other vulnerable road users in the Highway Code, with each rule number so you can check the wording yourself on gov.uk.
A closed pavement or street repairs
Rule 35 says a pavement may be closed temporarily because it is not safe to use. It tells you to take extra care if you are directed to walk in or to cross the road (gov.uk: rules for pedestrians 1 to 35).
Questions on this usually give four answers about what to do, so look for the one that matches that wording: extra care, and following the directions given.
The hierarchy of road users
Rule H1 says those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm bear the greatest responsibility to take care (gov.uk: Highway Code introduction).
The same rule says this applies most strongly to drivers of large goods and passenger vehicles, vans and minibuses, cars and taxis, and motorcycles. It also says cyclists, horse riders and drivers of horse-drawn vehicles have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians. All road users still have to look after their own and others' safety.
Giving way to pedestrians (rule H2)
Rule H2 sets out who gives way at junctions and crossings:
- At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road you are turning into or from.
- You must give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing.
- Pedestrians have priority at light-controlled crossings when they have a green signal.
- Only pedestrians may use the pavement, and pedestrians include wheelchair and mobility scooter users.
Our pedestrian crossings guide covers zebra, pelican, puffin and toucan crossings in detail. The clearances to leave when overtaking cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians are in our overtaking guide.
Cyclists and horse riders at junctions (rule H3)
Rule H3 says you should not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles going ahead when you turn into or out of a junction, or change lane or direction. You should give way to them, whether they are in a cycle lane, on a cycle track or riding ahead on the road.
It also says to stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists if necessary, including when they are approaching, passing or moving off from a junction, or travelling around a roundabout.
Children and older people
The rules in the section "Road users requiring extra care" (gov.uk: rules 204 to 225) cover each group:
| Who | What the Highway Code says | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Children | Pedestrians, especially children, may step unexpectedly into the road. | 205 |
| Older pedestrians | They may not be able to judge your speed; be patient with them. | 207 |
| People with disabilities | Allow extra time for them to cross. | 207 |
| Blind or partially sighted people | They may not be able to see you approaching. | 207 |
| Deafblind people | They may not see or hear instructions or signals. | 207 |
| Near schools | Drive slowly and be aware of young cyclists and pedestrians. | 208 |
Rule H1 adds that people you meet may have impaired sight, hearing or mobility, and that this may not be obvious.
Cyclists, horse riders and animals
- Looking out (rule 211): look out for cyclists and motorcyclists before you emerge from a junction, because they could be approaching faster than you think.
- Overtaking (rule 212): give motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians walking in the road at least as much room as you would give a car.
- Horses (rule 215): when you see a horse on a road, slow down to a maximum of 10 mph, and take extra care because riders are often children.
- Animals (rule 214): drive slowly, give them plenty of room and be ready to stop.
- Mobility scooters (rule 220): they travel at a top speed of 8 mph (12 km/h).
Practise the rules
The free practice questions let you try these rules in the question format, and our Highway Code guide shows how to revise the book. If you are booking, the test centres page lists centres by city.
Check what you remember
Try the free theorytest.ai diagnostic to see whether vulnerable road users 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 pedestrians.
Frequently asked questions
What should you do if the pavement is closed due to street repairs?
Take extra care if you are directed to walk in or cross the road. Rule 35 says a pavement may be closed temporarily because it is not safe to use.
Who has priority at a junction, a pedestrian or a car?
Rule H2 says you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road you are turning into or from.
What is the hierarchy of road users?
Rule H1 says those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm carry the greatest responsibility to take care.
Should you give way to a cyclist going straight ahead when you turn?
Yes. Rule H3 says you should not cut across cyclists going ahead, and should wait for a safe gap if necessary.
How fast should you pass a horse on the road?
Rule 215 says to slow down to a maximum of 10 mph and take extra care, because riders are often children.