Other Vehicles: Lorries, Buses, Trams & Tractors

What does the Other Types of Vehicle topic cover?

This topic tests how you share the road with vehicles that behave differently from a car: lorries and buses that need extra space, trams that cannot steer, motorcycles affected by wind, slow tractors, and powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Most answers come from Highway Code rules 164, 211 to 225, 232 to 233 and 300 to 306.

How should you follow and overtake a large lorry or bus?

Stay well back. Rule 164 says dropping back lets you see further ahead and should let the driver see you in their mirrors. A useful rule of thumb: if you cannot see their mirrors, they cannot see you. Only overtake when you have enough room to finish, because large vehicles take longer to pass. If in doubt, do not overtake.

Rule 164 adds two warnings: do not assume you can follow another vehicle that is overtaking a long vehicle, because it may abort and pull back in; and getting too close to tractors with trailers or other fixed equipment hides the road ahead, where there may be another slow vehicle.

Be patient too. Rule 222 says larger vehicles have lower speed limits than cars, and many are fitted with limiters set at 56 mph. In wet weather, rule 227 says spray makes it hard to see and be seen, so keep well back. When visibility is seriously reduced, rule 226 says you must use headlights.

Why do long vehicles need extra room at junctions and roundabouts?

Long vehicles may need the whole width of the road to turn, so they often move out to the right before turning left. Rules 170 and 221 tell you to watch for this and be prepared to stop and wait. Rule 187 adds that they may straddle lanes on roundabouts, so watch their signals and never squeeze alongside.

Never pass a long vehicle on its left while it is turning, and do not assume its signal tells the whole story. Rule 178 asks drivers of large vehicles to stop well back from advanced stop lines, so they can see cyclists waiting in front. That is a reminder that large vehicles have a significant blind spot in front.

When should you give way to buses and trams?

Give priority to buses, coaches and trams when you can do so safely, especially when they signal to pull away from stops, as rule 223 says. With trams, rule 301 goes further: always give way, and never race them, overtake them or pass on the inside unless they are at a stop and there is a lane for you.

Other rules that commonly appear:

• At bus and tram stops: do not overtake between the kerb and a bus or tram at a stop (rule 167), and look out for passengers stepping off to cross (rule 223).
• Tram stops without platforms: you must not drive between a tram and the left-hand kerb when it has stopped for passengers (rule 303).
• Tram lanes: you must not enter a road, lane or route reserved for trams (rule 300), or stop on any part of the track outside a designated bay (rule 302).
• Tram rails: cyclists and motorcyclists need extra care crossing them, especially when wet. The safest way to cross is at a right angle (rule 306).

How much room should you give motorcyclists and cyclists?

Give them at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car, and more in bad weather, including high winds, and at night. Rule 212 sets this standard, and rule 163 gives a guide for cyclists: at least 1.5 metres at speeds up to 30 mph, with more space at higher speeds.

Why the extra space matters:

• Visibility (rule 211): motorcyclists and cyclists are easy to miss, especially at junctions, alongside you or when filtering. Look out for them before you emerge.
• Wind (rules 232 and 233): gusts can blow a motorcyclist or cyclist off course, and turbulence from large vehicles is a particular problem, so keep well back when they overtake a high-sided vehicle.
• Road surface (rule 213): riders may swerve suddenly to avoid drain covers or oily, wet or icy patches.

How should you deal with tractors, mobility scooters and other slow vehicles?

Be patient, stay back where you can see the road ahead, and overtake only with a long, clear view. Rule 169 asks drivers of large or slow vehicles to pull in where safe and let a queue pass, so give them the chance. Rule 225 says a flashing amber beacon warns of a slow-moving or stationary vehicle.

Key facts:

• Tractors: on unrestricted dual carriageways, vehicles with a top speed of 25 mph or less, such as tractors, must use a flashing amber beacon (rule 225).
• Powered wheelchairs and scooters: Class 3 vehicles are limited to 8 mph and may be used on the road. On a dual carriageway with a limit over 50 mph they must use a flashing amber beacon (rules 36, 46 and 220).
• Snowploughs and gritters: do not overtake a snowplough unless the lane you intend to use has been cleared, and take care passing vehicles spreading salt (rule 230).

What mistakes do learners make on other types of vehicle questions?

Most traps assume a large or slow vehicle will behave like a car. Learners choose answers that overtake a lorry swinging right before a left turn, follow closely to shorten an overtake, or race a tram to a stop. The correct answers almost always involve dropping back, waiting and giving extra room.

• Passing a long vehicle on its left while it turns. Hold back until the turn is complete.
• Following closely to overtake faster. It hides your view and the driver’s view of you.
• Assuming trams are slow or noisy. They move quickly and quietly and cannot steer.
• Overtaking a motorcyclist closely in wind. Allow extra room for sudden movement.
• Reading an amber beacon as a breakdown. It warns of a slow-moving or stationary vehicle.

Where should you go next?

Try the Other Types of Vehicle practice test, then revise Vulnerable Road Users for cyclists and horse riders and Vehicle Handling for wind and spray. When you are ready, take a full mock theory test or browse the theory test topics.