Sharing the road

Most of what the papers test about other road users is precedence, and the rest is being seen. The driver of the vehicle carries the responsibility, because everyone else on the road has less protection than you do.

What the test asks

What you do at a pedestrian crossing when nobody is on it, how cyclists should ride and what they may carry, where a motorcyclist sits in the lane, how you pass animals, what you do for an ambulance, an abnormal load or the state motorcade, and when it is safe to cross the road after getting off a bus.

Pedestrians and crossings

Pedestrians use the pavement, and where there is none they walk on the right facing oncoming traffic, in single file on a narrow road, in bright or reflective clothing after dark.

As a driver, approach every pedestrian crossing ready to stop, whether or not anyone is standing at it. Where somebody is on it, wait patiently and go on when the crossing is clear. Give elderly people and children the extra time they need. Never overtake a vehicle that has stopped at a crossing: it has stopped for someone you cannot see yet.

Crossing in front of a stationary bus is the mistake that kills, because neither the person crossing nor the driver coming past can see the other. Passengers getting off a bus should let it pull away before they cross.

Getting off a bus and stepping out in front of it: the driver coming past cannot see them.

Cyclists

Cyclists ride single file, keeping left, both feet on the pedals and both hands on the bars except when signalling. A pedal cyclist may carry no more than 40 kg, and a cyclist under sixteen may carry no passenger at all. Where a cycle track is provided they are required to use it.

Passing one, give them width, and give them time and room to move off when the lights change. In windy weather leave more room than usual, because a gust moves a bicycle further than it moves you. And never overtake a cyclist immediately before you turn left.

Motorcyclists

A motorcyclist is entitled to the use of a full lane, and their correct place is the middle of it, which on a rural road means the centre of the lane rather than the edge. Rider and passenger wear crash helmets. Look for them particularly at junctions, where they are the ones a driver looks through.

Animals and animal drawn vehicles

Animals and animal drawn carts keep to the left. A cart carries two white reflectors at the front and red at the rear, must have reins and a leader, and is never left unattended. A herd is led with a red flag and, after dark, in reflective clothing. Dogs go on a leash, and animals may not be left to stray on the road or to graze on any tarred road 6 m wide or more.

Driving past animals, slow down, give them plenty of room and pass on whichever side is safe. If one steps out, reduce speed and stop if you have to.

Dogs on the road go on a leash.

Emergency vehicles and the motorcade

An ambulance, fire engine or police vehicle sounding its device or showing its beacon takes precedence over everything. Move out of its course, stop, and stay stopped until it has passed.

The state motorcade is not something you join or overtake. Pull to the extreme left and stop, and if you are already stopped at a controlled intersection, stay there until you are directed. Never stop for it somewhere dangerous, such as on a bridge.

Abnormal loads

An abnormal load is always under escort, is labelled abnormal load in red, carries red flags and amber beacons, keeps its headlamps on, and may occupy more than one lane. Never overtake one unless the rear escort signals you past. The escort's instructions override the ordinary rules of the road, so obey them, and slow down the moment you see an escort on a rise or a bend.

The mistakes learners make

An empty pedestrian crossing is still a pedestrian crossing, and the answer is to arrive ready to stop. Single file is how cyclists are told to ride, but a pair riding abreast is not something you push past. And the vehicle with the beacon is not asking you to move over a little, it is asking you to get out of its path and stand still.