Highway Code: Shared Road Safety
Rules 47-58: Animals | Free DVSA Theory Practice Test
Master Equestrian Passing Laws, Herding Compliance & Domestic Animal Restrictions
Test Coverage
Rules 47–58 of The Highway Code
Core Focus
Horse rider attire & road positioning
Key Value
Livestock herding & dog restraint laws
💡 Animal Integration Blueprint:
Interacting safely with animals on public roads requires specific speed dampening and spacing rules. This practice test checks your understanding of statutory handling and encounter laws:
🚨 Horse-drawn light regulations
🧥 High-visibility stirrup codes
🐕 Dog lead length control rules
🌾 Livestock herding escort layout
- Practice questions on horse-drawn vehicles, their use on the road, and safety requirements. (Covers rules 47 to 48 – Horse-Drawn Vehicles).
- Practice questions for horse riders, including equipment, positioning, and road behavior. (Covers rules 49 to 55 – Horse Riders).
- Practice questions about handling other animals on or near roads, including dogs and livestock. (Covers rules 56 to 58 – Other Animals).
What must you check before riding a horse on the road?
Tack looks clean and stylish
Bridle is decorative and fits loosely
Tack fits well and you can control the horse
Saddle is optional if the horse is calm
Before riding on the road, make sure all tack (saddle and bridle) fits properly and is in good condition. You must also be able to control the horse to ensure both rider and road user safety. Highway Code Rule 52: Check tack fit and control before riding.
Can children under 14 legally ride a bike or scooter on public roads?
Yes, if they are supervised by an adult.
Yes, if they have the necessary safety gear.
Yes, but only on roads with low traffic.
No, children under 14 are not allowed on public roads.
Children under 14 are not allowed to ride bikes or scooters on public roads in the UK. They can only ride in designated areas or private spaces. This rule ensures safety and prevents accidents. Highway Code Rule 49: Children under 14 are not allowed on public roads.
What should be done when herding animals on a bend or hill?
Send someone ahead to warn traffic
Herd quietly without stopping
Speed up to pass the danger zone
Use a whistle to alert drivers
When herding animals near bends or hills, you should send someone ahead to alert road users. This reduces the risk of sudden encounters and collisions. At night, wear reflective clothing and use front and rear lights. Highway Code Rule 58: Warn traffic ahead and use lights if herding in the dark.
How should you ride on narrow or busy roads?
Two abreast for visibility
In single file
With horses on the right
Closely behind vehicles
You should never ride more than two abreast and must ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when going around bends. This keeps the group compact and makes passing safer for other road users. Highway Code Rule 53: Ride single file on busy, narrow roads or bends.
When must you never ride a horse?
Without a saddle
With loose reins
In quiet areas
Without permission
You must never ride a horse without both a saddle and bridle. These are essential for safe control and rider stability, especially when riding on the road or in areas with traffic. Highway Code Rule 52: Never ride without both saddle and bridle.
What must you do when walking a dog near roads or shared paths?
Keep it on a short lead
Use a long lead for freedom
Let it roam if it's trained
Let it off-lead on quiet pavements
Dogs must be kept on a short lead when walking on pavements, roads, or shared paths to prevent accidents or interference with traffic, cyclists, or horse riders. Letting a dog roam freely near roads is unsafe and not allowed. Highway Code Rule 56: Always use a short lead near roads or shared paths.
Which clothing is recommended for horse riders under Rule 50?
Soft-soled shoes and dark clothing at night
Trainers and light-coloured clothing at night
Flat shoes and fluorescent clothing after dark
Hard-soled boots and reflective clothing in low visibility
Horse riders should wear boots with hard soles and heels for grip and safety, fluorescent clothing during daylight for visibility, and reflective clothing at night or in poor visibility. These choices help ensure the rider is seen and stays safe. Highway Code Rule 50: Wear proper boots and visible clothing for rider safety.
Why follow the Code of Practice for horse-drawn vehicles?
To increase horse speed
For tax exemption
To meet safety and licence rules
To avoid police checks
The Code of Practice ensures horse-drawn vehicles are safe and properly operated. Following it helps meet safety checks and may be required for a licence to run a passenger-carrying service. Highway Code Rule 47: Code helps ensure safe operation and may support licence approval.
Which of the following is not true about safe horse riding on the road?
Keep both feet in the stirrups
You may carry a bag over the reins
Ride single file on narrow roads
Keep to the left
Carrying items that affect balance or could tangle with the reins is unsafe. Riders must remain fully in control to avoid risks to themselves and others. Highway Code Rule 53: Do not carry anything that affects control or balance.
Where are horse riders not allowed to ride?
Bridleways
Footpaths or pavements
Equestrian crossings
Country lanes
Horse riders must not use footpaths or pavements, as these are for pedestrians. Where possible, riders should use bridleways or equestrian crossings. At level crossings with a dismount sign, they must get off the horse for safety. Highway Code Rule 54: Do not ride on footpaths or pavements.
How should you lead a horse at night?
Carry white light and wear bright gloves
Wear reflective gear and use red light
Use a rear-facing red light only
Hold red/white light and wear reflective gear
When leading a horse at night, you must carry a light in your right hand showing white to the front and red to the rear. Both you and the horse must wear reflective clothing for visibility and safety. Highway Code Rule 51: Lead with red/white light and reflective gear.
What must you do before turning while riding?
Slow down and pull left
Wave to alert other drivers
Look behind, then signal clearly
Shout to warn nearby traffic
Before turning or moving off, always look behind to check for traffic and signal clearly with your arm. This ensures other road users understand your intentions and helps prevent collisions. Highway Code Rule 53: Always check behind and give a clear arm signal before turning.
How should horse riders signal on a roundabout?
Signal left throughout the roundabout
Signal right before entering and left when leaving
Signal right across exits, then left before leaving
Do not signal unless traffic is heavy
Riders should keep left and signal right when passing exits to show they are staying on. Just before leaving the roundabout, they must signal left. This informs drivers clearly and avoids confusion. Highway Code Rule 55: Signal right past exits, then left before leaving.