Below is a free Vulnerable Road Users mock test for the UK DVSA car theory test: multiple-choice questions in the official four-option format, each with the correct answer, a plain-English explanation and a Highway Code reference. Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders, children and older or disabled people.
Vulnerable Road Users practice questions
Checked against The Highway Code as amended · last reviewed . Spotted an error? Report it.
Q1. You're turning into a side road and a pedestrian is waiting to cross it. Who has priority?
- You — vehicles always have priority over pedestrians
- The pedestrian — you should give way to people crossing or waiting to cross
- Whoever moves first
- The pedestrian, but only on a marked crossing
Answer: B. Under the hierarchy of road users, traffic turning into or out of a junction should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road they're turning into. Reference: The Highway Code — rules H2 and 170
Q2. How much space should you leave when overtaking a cyclist at up to 30 mph?
- At least 1.5 metres
- Half a metre is sufficient
- One car door's width
- No specific guidance exists
Answer: A. Leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking a cyclist at up to 30 mph — and more at higher speeds or in bad weather. If you can't leave that space, hold back until you can. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 163
Q3. How should you pass a horse and rider on the road?
- Quickly, to spend less time alongside the horse
- Sound your horn so the rider knows you're there
- Slow to a maximum of 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres of space
- Rev the engine and pass close to the verge
Answer: C. Horses are easily startled. Pass wide and slow — no more than 10 mph and at least 2 metres of space — with no sudden noise. Be ready to stop if the rider signals you to. Reference: The Highway Code — rules H1, 163 and 214–215
Q4. A pedestrian is waiting to cross, carrying a white cane with a red band. What does the cane tell you?
- They are a crossing patrol officer
- They are deaf as well as blind
- They are partially sighted only
- They have priority only at zebra crossings
Answer: B. A white cane with a red band (or a dog with a red-and-white harness) indicates the person is both deaf and blind — they may not see or hear you, so give them time and never assume they know you're there. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 207
Q5. An older person is crossing the road slowly ahead as you approach. What should you do?
- Sound your horn so they hurry
- Drive around behind them
- Be patient and allow them to cross in their own time
- Wave them back to the pavement
Answer: C. Older pedestrians may misjudge your speed and need longer to cross. Slow down, be patient, and don't intimidate them with revving, horn or creeping forward. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 204 and 207
Q6. At a roundabout, a cyclist ahead is keeping to the left but signalling right. What should you expect?
- They're lost
- They may legitimately stay left while continuing around the roundabout — give them room
- They must leave at the next exit
- They're giving way to you
Answer: B. Cyclists, horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles may stay in the left-hand lane when going across or around a roundabout, signalling right to show they aren't leaving. Give cyclists priority and plenty of room — don't overtake them within their lane or cut across them. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 79 and 186
Q7. You're in a slow queue and about to turn. Why check your mirrors for motorcyclists?
- Motorcyclists must always overtake queues on the left
- Riders may be filtering between lanes and can appear quickly where you don't expect them
- It's only required on motorways
- Motorcycles have priority in queues
Answer: B. Filtering is legal and common in slow traffic. Before changing lanes or turning across a queue, check mirrors and blind spots specifically for the narrow, fast-closing profile of a motorcycle. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 160 and 211
Q8. The amber light is flashing at a pelican crossing and pedestrians are still on the crossing. What must you do?
- Proceed — flashing amber means go
- Give way until the crossing is clear, then proceed
- Sound your horn to hurry them
- Stop and wait for the green light regardless
Answer: B. Flashing amber at a pelican means give way to anyone still on the crossing; you may proceed only once it's clear. Never harass people crossing — some simply need longer. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 196
Q9. Under the hierarchy of road users, who has the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they pose to others?
- Those in charge of vehicles that can cause the most harm in a collision
- Pedestrians, because they are the hardest road users to see
- Whoever has priority at that point on the road
- Cyclists, because they share road space with both motor vehicles and people walking
Answer: A. Rule H1 places the greatest responsibility on those in charge of vehicles that can do the most harm — most strongly lorries, buses, vans, cars and motorcycles. Everyone, including pedestrians and cyclists, must still take care, but the bigger the potential harm, the bigger the responsibility. Reference: The Highway Code — rule H1
Q10. According to the Highway Code, which road users are most at risk of injury in a collision?
- Drivers of small cars and vans
- Lorry and coach passengers
- Drivers travelling at high speed on motorways and dual carriageways
- Pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists
Answer: D. Rule 204 names pedestrians (particularly children, older adults and disabled people), cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists as the road users most at risk. They have little or no protection, which is why they sit at the top of the hierarchy of road users. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 204
Q11. You're turning left out of a quiet side road onto a main road. A pedestrian is waiting to cross the side road you're leaving. What should you do?
- Carry on — the rule only applies to the road you're turning into
- Sound your horn briefly so they know you're coming
- Give way and let them cross first
- Edge forward slowly so they can see you're committed
Answer: C. Rule H2 says you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning. It applies whether you're turning left or right, and whether you're entering or leaving the side road. Reference: The Highway Code — rules H2 and 170
Q12. A mobility scooter user is travelling along the pavement. How does the Highway Code treat them there?
- As a cyclist, who should really use the cycle lane
- As a pedestrian
- As a driver who ought to be on the road
- As a vehicle user with no right to be there
Answer: B. The Code says only pedestrians may use the pavement, and that pedestrians include wheelchair and mobility scooter users. On the pavement they follow the rules for pedestrians, so give them the same care and priority you'd give anyone walking. Reference: The Highway Code — rules H2 and 37
Q13. You're about to turn left into a side road. A cyclist is coming up on your left in a cycle lane, going straight on. What should you do?
- Wait for the cyclist to pass the junction before you turn
- Turn quickly — you're ahead of them, so you have priority
- Signal left and expect them to stop for you
- Turn, since cyclists in a cycle lane must give way to turning traffic
Answer: A. Rule H3 says you shouldn't cut across cyclists going ahead when you turn, whether they're in a cycle lane, on a cycle track or riding on the road. Don't turn if it would make them stop or swerve — wait for them to pass. Reference: The Highway Code — rules H3 and 183
Q14. You're turning right into a side road across a line of stationary traffic. A driver in the queue has left a gap for you. What should you look out for before turning?
- Pedestrians on the far pavement only
- A hand signal from the driver in the queue telling you it's safe to go
- Nothing — the gap means the way is clear
- Cyclists or motorcyclists passing on the inside of the queue
Answer: D. Rule 211 says that when turning right across a line of slow-moving or stationary traffic, you should look out for and give way to cyclists or motorcyclists on the inside of the traffic you're crossing. The queue can hide them until the last moment. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 211
Q15. You want to turn left at a junction just ahead. A cyclist in front of you is also waiting to turn left, positioned close to the kerb. What should you do?
- Overtake them before the junction so you're not held up
- Pull alongside and turn at the same time as them
- Stay behind them until they've made the turn
- Sound your horn to let them know you're turning too
Answer: C. Rule 170 tells you to remain behind cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists at junctions, even when they're waiting to turn and positioned close to the kerb. Overtaking and then turning left risks cutting straight across them. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 167 and 170
Q16. You're driving out of a driveway that crosses a pavement and then a cycle track. Who should you give way to?
- Only vehicles on the main carriageway
- Pedestrians on the pavement and cyclists on the cycle track
- No one, as long as you signal before moving out
- Only children and older pedestrians
Answer: B. When you cross a pavement, cycle lane or cycle track to reach or leave a driveway, rule 206 says you should give way to pedestrians on the pavement and to cyclists using the lane or track. Move out slowly and look both ways. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 206
Q17. A pedestrian steps off the kerb ahead without looking your way, even though your car is clearly approaching. What should you bear in mind?
- They may have impaired sight or hearing that isn't obvious
- They're deliberately testing whether you'll stop
- It's their responsibility to look, so you can keep going at your speed
- They must be using an unmarked crossing point
Answer: A. Rule H1 reminds everyone that the people they meet may have impaired sight, hearing or mobility, and that this may not be obvious. Slow down and be ready to stop rather than assume they've seen or heard you. Reference: The Highway Code — rules H1 and 207
Q18. According to the Highway Code, roughly what chance does a pedestrian have of being killed if hit by a vehicle at 20 mph?
- About 1 in 2
- About 1 in 5
- About 1 in 20
- About 1 in 100
Answer: C. Rule 207 says that at 20 mph there is only a 1 in 20 chance of a pedestrian being killed, whereas at 40 mph your vehicle will probably kill any pedestrian it hits. Keeping your speed down near people on foot saves lives. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 207
Q19. A pedestrian waiting at the kerb is holding a plain white cane. What does this usually tell you?
- They are deaf but can see normally
- They are recovering from a leg injury
- They are a trained road-safety volunteer
- They are blind or partially sighted
Answer: D. A white cane or a guide dog indicates someone who is blind or partially sighted and may not see you approaching. A white cane with a red band indicates someone who is deafblind. Give them plenty of time and never assume they know you're there. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 207
Q20. You're driving along a residential street and see an ice-cream van parked ahead with its chimes playing. What's the main hazard?
- The van may pull out suddenly without signalling
- Children may run into the road without looking
- The chimes may mask the sound of emergency sirens
- Customers may have left their cars double-parked nearby
Answer: B. Rule 206 says drive carefully and slowly when passing parked vehicles, especially ice-cream vans, because children are more interested in ice cream than traffic and may run into the road unexpectedly. Slow down and be ready to stop. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 206
Q21. A 'School' warning sign has amber lights flashing beneath it. What does this tell you?
- Children may be crossing the road ahead
- The school is closed for the day
- A 20 mph limit is being enforced by camera
- School buses are about to pull out ahead
Answer: A. Rule 208 explains that a flashing amber signal below the 'School' warning sign means there may be children crossing the road ahead. Drive very slowly until you're clear of the area, and watch for young cyclists as well as pedestrians. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 208
Q22. A stationary coach ahead displays a 'School Bus' sign in its rear window. What should you do?
- Overtake quickly before it moves off
- Sound your horn to warn any children nearby
- Pass slowly and carefully, as children may be getting on or off
- Flash your headlights to tell the driver you're passing
Answer: C. Rule 209 says drive carefully and slowly when passing a stationary bus showing a 'School Bus' sign, as children may be getting on or off. Be ready for a child to step out from beside or in front of the bus. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 209
Q23. You're driving into a Home Zone. What should you expect?
- Priority for residents' cars over through traffic
- A minimum speed limit to keep traffic moving
- Pedestrians kept to raised pavements on both sides of the road
- People using the whole road, perhaps children playing
Answer: D. Rule 218 explains that in Home Zones and Quiet Lanes people may be using the whole of the road — for example, children playing or a community event. Drive slowly and carefully, and be prepared to stop to give them time to make space. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 218
Q24. You're reversing into a side road when a pedestrian starts to cross behind you. What should you do?
- Stop and give way until they've crossed
- Keep reversing slowly — they can see you're moving
- Sound your horn so they hurry across
- Carry on, since pedestrians shouldn't cross behind reversing vehicles
Answer: A. Rule 206 says that when reversing into a side road you should look all around and give way to any pedestrians crossing. Pedestrians are advised not to cross behind reversing vehicles, but that doesn't remove your duty — they may not have noticed you. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 202 and 206
Q25. You're passing someone walking in the road on a lane with no pavement. What does the Highway Code advise?
- Pass at your normal speed, leaving at least 1 metre
- Sound your horn, then pass close to the verge
- Keep to a low speed and allow at least 2 metres
- Leave at least 1.5 metres if you're doing up to 30 mph
Answer: C. Rule 163 advises allowing at least 2 metres of space and keeping to a low speed when passing a pedestrian walking in the road. The 1.5 metre figure is the minimum for overtaking cyclists at up to 30 mph. If you can't give the space, wait. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 163 and 206
Q26. On a country lane with no pavement, you see a group of walkers on your side of the road, coming towards you. Why are they walking there?
- They've gone the wrong way and should be walking in the same direction as traffic
- Walkers are advised to keep to the right so they can see oncoming traffic
- They're waiting for a gap so they can cross
- Walkers must always keep to the verge on the left-hand side
Answer: B. Rule 2 advises pedestrians to keep to the right-hand side of the road where there's no pavement, so that they face oncoming traffic. As a driver, expect walkers on your side coming towards you — slow down and give them plenty of room. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 2 and 206
Q27. At night, an organised group walking on a road with no pavement should have look-outs at the front and back. What lights should they show?
- Red at the front and white at the back
- Flashing amber at both the front and back
- Green at the front and red at the back
- White at the front and red at the back
Answer: D. Rule 5 says the front look-out should show a white light and the one at the back a red light, and they should wear reflective clothing. With no pavement the group keeps to the left, so you'll usually come across the red light first, from behind. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 5
Q28. You're waiting to emerge from a side road as a horse rider approaches along the main road. What does the Highway Code warn you about horse riders at junctions?
- They must give way to any vehicle emerging from a junction
- They always keep close to the left-hand kerb
- They may take a different line from the one you'd expect
- They're only allowed on the road in daylight
Answer: C. Rule 170 says take extra care at junctions and watch out for horse riders, who may take a different line on the road from the one you'd expect. Wait until you're sure what the rider is doing, and don't pull out in a way that could startle the horse. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 170
Q29. At a pelican crossing that goes straight across the road with a central island, the amber light is flashing. A pedestrian crossing from the far side has just reached the island. What must you do?
- Wait — it's one crossing, so you must give way to them
- Go — they're safe on the island and it's a separate crossing
- Go, as long as your half of the crossing is empty
- Sound your horn so they stay on the island
Answer: A. Rule 197 says pelican crossings that go straight across the road are one crossing, even with a central island, so you must wait for pedestrians crossing from the other side. Only a staggered crossing, where the two halves aren't in line, counts as two. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 196 and 197
Q30. A horse and rider are on the road ahead. The horse looks calm and the rider seems experienced. Why does the Highway Code still say to treat the horse as a potential hazard?
- Riders must give way to motor vehicles, so they may stop without warning
- Horses are flight animals and can move very quickly if startled
- Horses can't hear an engine until the vehicle is right alongside
- Horse riders aren't allowed to use hand signals on the road
Answer: B. Rule 215 says treat all horses as a potential hazard, because they can be unpredictable despite the efforts of their rider. Horses are flight animals and can move incredibly quickly if startled, so approach slowly, pass wide and never sound your horn or rev your engine nearby. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 215
Q31. At a toucan crossing, who crosses when the green signal shows?
- Pedestrians only — cyclists must dismount first
- Horse riders and cyclists only
- Cyclists only, on a separate phase from pedestrians
- Pedestrians and cyclists together, with cyclists allowed to ride
Answer: D. Toucan crossings are shared: pedestrians and cyclists see the green signal together, and cyclists are allowed to ride across. When your light turns green, check that both people on foot and people on bikes have finished crossing. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 25 and 82
Q32. At a signal-controlled crossing you notice a wider crossing area and a push button mounted much higher than usual. What type of crossing is it?
- An equestrian crossing for horse riders
- A toucan crossing for cyclists
- A puffin crossing for wheelchair users
- A pelican crossing with a school patrol
Answer: A. Rule 27 describes equestrian crossings: they have pavement barriers, wider crossing spaces, horse and rider figures in the light panels and a higher control panel riders can reach. For drivers, the lights follow the normal traffic light sequence, with no flashing amber. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 27 and 199
Q33. You're approaching a parallel crossing. Who must you give way to once they've moved onto it?
- Pedestrians only — cyclists must wait for a gap
- Cyclists only, as it's a cycle crossing
- Both pedestrians and cyclists
- No one, unless its lights are showing red
Answer: C. A parallel crossing is like a zebra crossing with a cycle route alongside the black and white stripes. Rule 195 says you MUST give way to pedestrians or cyclists who have moved onto it, and should give way to those waiting to cross. Reference: The Highway Code — rules H2 and 195
Q34. At a puffin crossing your light turns green, but an elderly pedestrian is still making their way across. What should you do?
- Move off — green means you now have priority
- Creep forward to encourage them to hurry
- Sound your horn gently to warn them
- Wait until they've finished crossing
Answer: D. Rule 198 says give way to anyone still crossing after the signal for vehicles has changed to green, and this applies at all crossings. Some people need longer to cross, so be patient and never rev your engine or edge forward (rule 194). Reference: The Highway Code — rules 194 and 198
Q35. Traffic in the opposite lane has queued across a zebra crossing, blocking your view of one side of it. What should you do as you approach?
- Slow down — someone may step out between the queuing vehicles
- Keep your speed — nobody can cross while the queue is blocking it
- Sound your horn as you reach the crossing
- Flash your headlights to warn anyone who's waiting
Answer: A. Rule 193 says take extra care where the view of either side of a crossing is blocked by queuing traffic or badly parked vehicles, because pedestrians may be crossing between stationary vehicles. Be ready to stop for anyone who appears. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 193 and 195
Q36. At a zebra crossing, at what point does the law require you to give way to a pedestrian?
- As soon as they come within sight of the crossing
- Once they have moved onto the crossing
- Only after they've pressed the crossing button
- Only once they've reached the middle of the road
Answer: B. Rule 195 says you MUST give way when a pedestrian has moved onto a zebra crossing. You should also give way to people waiting to cross, so look out for them and be ready to slow down or stop before they step out. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 195
Q37. A cyclist ahead moves into the centre of the lane as you both approach a road narrowing. Why might they do this?
- To slow the traffic behind them deliberately
- Because they're about to turn right at the narrowing
- To be clearly seen and prevent unsafe overtaking
- Because cyclists must ride in the centre on all narrow roads
Answer: C. Rules 72 and 213 explain that cyclists may ride in the centre of the lane on the approach to junctions or road narrowings where it would be unsafe for drivers to overtake. Allow them to do so and hold back until you can pass safely. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 72 and 213
Q38. You come up behind a group of cyclists riding two abreast on a quiet country road. What's the right approach?
- Sound your horn so they move into single file
- Overtake closely, since riding side by side on the road is illegal
- Flash your headlights to ask them to let you by
- Be patient — riding two abreast can be safer for groups
Answer: D. Rule 213 says it can be safer for groups of cyclists to ride two abreast on quiet roads, narrow sections and in slower traffic, and drivers should allow them to. Wait until you can overtake with the full recommended space. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 66 and 213
Q39. You're behind a cyclist on a road where oncoming traffic means you can't leave the recommended space to overtake. What should you do?
- Wait behind until you can pass with enough room
- Squeeze past while the oncoming car is still some way off
- Overtake anyway, but with your hazard lights on
- Pass close to them, but at a slow speed
Answer: A. Rule 163 says you should wait behind a cyclist, horse rider or pedestrian and not overtake if it's unsafe or not possible to meet the recommended clearances. Passing slowly doesn't make a close pass safe. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 163
Q40. You're approaching red traffic lights where there's an advanced stop line with a cycle box beyond it. Where must you stop?
- At the second white line, alongside any cyclists
- At the first white line, leaving the box clear for cyclists
- Anywhere inside the box, as long as you stay behind any cyclists
- Past both lines, if the junction ahead is clear
Answer: B. Rule 178 says motorists, including motorcyclists, MUST stop at the first white line if the lights are amber or red, and should avoid encroaching on the marked area. When the lights change, give cyclists waiting there time and space to move off. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 178
Q41. You're about to turn left into a side road, crossing a cycle track that runs beside the main road. You've already checked behind for cyclists. What else should you do?
- Nothing more — cyclists on a track must give way to turning traffic
- Sound your horn to warn cyclists that you're about to cross
- Speed up so you spend as little time as possible on the track
- Check for cyclists coming towards you, as the track may be two-way
Answer: D. Rule 140 says give way to cyclists approaching or using a cycle track when you turn into or out of a junction, and be prepared to stop and wait for a safe gap. The track may be used by cyclists travelling in both directions, so check both ways. Reference: The Highway Code — rules H3 and 140
Q42. A cycle lane is marked with a solid white line and a sign showing its times of operation. What does this mean for you during those times?
- You may drive in it to pass slow-moving traffic
- You may park in it briefly with your hazard lights on
- You must not drive or park in it
- You may use it if there are no cyclists in sight
Answer: C. Rule 140 says you MUST NOT drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its times of operation. With a broken-line lane, you shouldn't drive or park in it unless it's unavoidable. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 140
Q43. A cyclist is riding on the road even though there's a cycle track running alongside. How should you react?
- Accept it — cyclists aren't obliged to use cycle tracks
- Sound your horn to direct them onto the track
- Drive close behind them until they move across
- Report them, as they must use a track wherever there is one
Answer: A. Rules 61 and 140 make clear that cycle lanes and tracks are provided for safety, but cyclists aren't obliged to use them and may judge that the road suits them better. Give them the same space as any other cyclist. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 61 and 140
Q44. You've parked on the left-hand side of the road and are about to open the driver's door on the right. How does the Highway Code suggest you open it?
- Quickly, so you're out of the traffic sooner
- A little way with your right hand, then look
- Fully with your right hand, once you've checked your door mirror
- With your left hand, so you turn to look over your shoulder
Answer: D. Rule 239 suggests opening a door using the hand on the opposite side — your left hand for a door on your right. This makes you turn your head and look over your shoulder, so you're more likely to spot a passing cyclist or motorcyclist. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 239
Q45. Passing a row of parked cars, you notice a cyclist ahead riding about a metre out from them. Why?
- They're getting ready to turn right
- To avoid being hit by a car door being opened
- They're about to stop and park their bike
- To stop drivers from overtaking them
Answer: B. Cyclists are advised to ride at least a door's width, or 1 metre, from parked cars for their own safety (rules 67 and 213). Expect them to be further out than you might think and give them plenty of room when you overtake. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 67 and 213
Q46. You're about to overtake a cyclist at night in heavy rain. How should the space you give compare with a dry, bright day?
- It can be less, as they'll be riding more slowly
- It should be the same — 1.5 metres whatever the conditions
- It should be more than you'd give in good conditions
- It can be less if you've got main beam headlights on
Answer: C. Rule 212 says take extra care and give more space when overtaking cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and pedestrians in bad weather, including high winds, and at night. The 1.5 metre guide for speeds up to 30 mph is a minimum, not a fixed figure. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 163 and 212
Q47. A motorcyclist ahead takes a quick look over their right shoulder. What might this mean?
- They may be about to pull out, turn right or change direction
- They're checking whether you've dipped your headlights
- They want you to overtake them straight away
- They're signalling to you that the road ahead is clear
Answer: A. Rule 212 says that if a rider looks over their shoulder it could mean they intend to pull out, turn right or change direction. Give them time and space to do so rather than trying to pass. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 212
Q48. You're waiting to pull out of a side road and a motorcyclist is approaching along the main road. What should you bear in mind?
- Motorcyclists always have priority over cars at junctions
- Riders must move to the centre of the road near junctions
- The rider could be travelling faster than you think
- Motorcyclists can't overtake near junctions, so they'll be slow
Answer: C. Rule 211 says motorcyclists and cyclists are often difficult to see, especially around junctions, and could be approaching faster than you think. Rule 86 warns riders that other drivers may not judge their speed or distance correctly, especially at junctions, so look carefully before you pull out. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 86 and 211
Q49. On a wet road, a motorcyclist ahead suddenly moves across within their lane. What's the most likely reason?
- They're signalling that you can overtake
- They're avoiding a slippery drain cover or oily patch
- They're getting ready to stop on the left
- They're trying to stop you from following too closely
Answer: B. Rule 213 warns that motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders may suddenly need to avoid uneven surfaces and obstacles such as drain covers or oily, wet or icy patches. Give them plenty of room and be ready for a sudden change of direction. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 213
Q50. A horse rider ahead signals to you to slow down. What should you do?
- Overtake quickly before the horse becomes more nervous
- Sound your horn to thank them
- Flash your headlights to show you've seen them
- Slow down, or stop if needed, until it's safe to pass
Answer: D. Rule 215 says look out for horse riders' and horse drivers' signals and heed a request to slow down or stop. Horses are flight animals and can move very quickly if startled, so be patient and avoid noise such as your horn or revving. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 215
Q51. You're driving across open land in the New Forest where ponies roam freely. How should you treat a pony standing by the road?
- With the same care as you'd give a ridden horse
- Sound your horn so it moves away from the road
- Keep your speed, as these ponies are used to traffic
- Pass close to it so you spend less time alongside
Answer: A. Rule 215 says feral or semi-feral ponies in areas such as the New Forest, Exmoor and Dartmoor need the same consideration as ridden horses when you approach or pass. Slow down, pass wide and slow, and be ready to stop if one steps out. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 214 and 215
Q52. Two horse riders are riding side by side ahead of you, one on a young, nervous-looking horse. What's the most likely reason they're riding double file?
- They're both about to turn right together
- They want to stop drivers from overtaking
- Riders must ride two abreast on any road with a limit above 30 mph
- The experienced rider is escorting a young or inexperienced horse
Answer: D. Rule 215 notes that riders may ride in double file when escorting a young or inexperienced horse or rider, and that riders are often children. Be patient, slow to no more than 10 mph and pass wide, with at least 2 metres, when it's safe. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 215
Q53. A herd of cows is being moved along the road and completely blocks your way. What should you do?
- Edge slowly forward through the herd
- Sound your horn to clear a path
- Stop and switch off your engine until they've left the road
- Rev your engine gently so they know you're there
Answer: C. Rule 214 says that if a road is blocked by a herd of animals, you should stop and switch off your engine until they have left the road. Don't scare animals by sounding your horn, revving or accelerating hard once you've passed them. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 214
Q54. On a narrow country lane, a person standing near a sharp bend waves at you to slow down. What's the most likely reason?
- They want a lift to the next village
- They're checking your speed for the police
- They're asking you to stop and give way to them
- Animals are being herded round the bend ahead
Answer: D. Rule 58 advises that when animals are being herded, someone should go ahead to warn other road users, especially at a bend or the brow of a hill. Slow right down, be ready to stop and switch off your engine if the herd blocks the road. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 58 and 214
Q55. At a roundabout, the car with L plates in front of you hesitates and lets a gap go that you would have taken. What should you do?
- Stay patient and wait until they move off
- Sound your horn to tell them the gap was safe
- Edge up close behind them to encourage them
- Flash your headlights to tell them to go
Answer: A. Rule 217 says learners and inexperienced drivers may not be so skilful at anticipating and responding to events, so be particularly patient with them. Rule 110 says only flash your headlights to let others know you're there, and rule 185 reminds you to look forward before moving off to make sure the traffic in front has actually gone. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 110, 185 and 217
Q56. The car in front displays a green 'P' plate. What does it tell you?
- The driver is a professional driving instructor at work
- The driver only holds a provisional licence
- The driver has recently passed their driving test
- The driver holds a disabled parking permit
Answer: C. Green 'P' (probationary) plates show that the driver has recently passed their test; displaying them is optional. Newly qualified drivers may lack experience in anticipating hazards, so give them time and space, as rule 217 advises for inexperienced drivers. Reference: GOV.UK — Driving lessons and learning to drive (Using 'L' and 'P' plates); The Highway Code — rule 217
Q57. A bus has stopped at a stop on the other side of the road and passengers are getting off. What should you be ready for?
- The bus pulling out across your lane
- Passengers stepping out from in front of it to cross
- The bus driver signalling you to stop
- A cyclist using the bus stop as a passing place
Answer: B. Rules 206 and 223 warn that pedestrians may emerge suddenly into the road near bus and tram stops, and that you should look out for people getting off a bus and crossing the road. A passenger hidden by the bus may step out right in front of you. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 206 and 223
Q58. A pavement is closed for repairs and pedestrians are being directed to walk in the road. What should you do?
- Keep your speed and sound your horn as you pass
- Switch on your hazard lights and drive through
- Pass at your normal speed — the barriers will protect them
- Drive slowly and carefully, giving them plenty of room
Answer: D. Rule 206 lists places where you should drive carefully and slowly, including where a pavement is closed due to street repairs and pedestrians are directed to use the road. Give them plenty of room, as rule 163 advises for anyone walking in the road. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 163 and 206
Q59. Why shouldn't you park where the kerb has been lowered at a crossing point?
- Wheelchair and mobility scooter users rely on it
- It's reserved for goods vehicles that are loading
- Dropped kerbs are kept clear for emergency vehicles only
- The road surface there isn't built to take a parked car's weight
Answer: A. Rule 243 says don't stop or park where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles. Scooter users are advised to use dropped kerbs even if it means travelling further, so blocking one can leave them with no safe way on or off the pavement. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 40 and 243
Q60. You're parking next to a car that's displaying a Blue Badge. What should you do?
- Park as close as you can to save space
- Nothing different — the badge only matters when it's in a disabled bay
- Leave a note on its windscreen to say you're there
- Leave extra room, as the occupant may need it to get in or out
Answer: D. Rule 239 says don't stop too close to a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge — the occupant may need more room to get in or out. That applies wherever the vehicle is parked, not only in reserved bays. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 239
Frequently asked questions
How many Vulnerable Road Users questions are in the real theory test?
The DVSA doesn't publish per-topic counts. Your 50 questions are drawn across all 14 official topics, so revise every category.
What is the pass mark for the UK theory test?
You need 43 out of 50 multiple-choice questions correct (86%), plus 44 out of 75 on the hazard perception clips. You must pass both parts in the same sitting.
Are these real DVSA questions?
No — these are original practice questions written to the current DVSA syllabus and The Highway Code. Official revision questions are Crown Copyright and only available from licensed providers.
Revise the other theory test topics
Your 50 test questions are drawn from all 14 official DVSA topics — revise every category, not just this one.
- Alertness
- Attitude
- Essential Documents
- Hazard Awareness
- Incidents, Accidents & Emergencies
- Motorway Rules
- Other Types of Vehicle
- Road & Traffic Signs
- Rules of the Road
- Safety & Your Vehicle
- Safety Margins
- Vehicle Handling
- Vehicle Loading
Don't forget part two: read how hazard perception is scored. Booked your test? Find your nearest theory test centre, or book on the official GOV.UK booking service (£23).
All practice questions are original study material written to the current DVSA car theory test syllabus and The Highway Code. They are not actual DVSA exam questions. This site is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DVSA.