Highway Code: Active Travel Safety
Rules 59-82: Cyclists | Free DVSA Theory Practice Test
Master Hierarchy of Road Users, Advanced Stop Lines & Junction Priority Dynamics
Test Coverage
Rules 59–82 of The Highway Code
Core Focus
Junction tracking & side-road priority
Key Value
Roundabout lanes & multi-use crossings
💡 Cyclist Integration Blueprint:
Active travel rules protect vulnerable riders via specific position tracking and clear signaling protocols. This module challenges your comprehension of modern cycleway integration:
📐 Center-lane primary position
🛑 Advanced Stop Line (ASL) rights
⭕ Roundabout outer lane margins
🚶 Toucan & sparrow crossing rules
- Practice questions for cyclists including safety equipment, positioning, signaling, and behaviour. (Covers rules 59 to 72 – Cyclists: General Overview).
- Practice questions about how cyclists should behave at junctions, including turning and priority rules. (Covers rules 73 to 77 – Cyclists at Road Junctions).
- Practice questions for cyclists using roundabouts, including lane usage and signaling. (Covers rules 78 to 80 – Cyclists on Roundabouts).
- Practice questions for cyclists when crossing the road, including dismounting and walking. (Covers rules 81 to 82 – Cyclists Crossing the Road).
While riding straight at a junction, which habit improves your safety?
Riding close to turning cars
Speeding to clear the junction
Monitoring signs and position
Ignoring nearby vehicles
Even when you have priority going straight, always check for turning vehicles and watch road signs. Drivers may not see you, especially in slow traffic. Proper road position and awareness of your surroundings are key to avoiding collisions. Highway Code Rule 76: Use road position and awareness to stay safe.
Which of the following actions is prohibited for cyclists under the Highway Code?
Carrying a passenger on a specially adapted tandem.
Riding carefully under low light conditions.
Riding alongside a slow-moving vehicle for balance.
Holding onto a moving vehicle while riding.
Highway Code Rule 68 prohibits holding onto moving vehicles, as it’s highly dangerous. Cyclists are also banned from riding under the influence, riding carelessly, or carrying passengers unless the cycle is adapted. Riding beside a vehicle for support, as in Option D, is unsafe and may lead to collisions or instability, though it may seem less obviously wrong.
What must you do as a cyclist when approaching a red traffic light with an advanced stop line?
Stop before the first line only
Cross both lines and wait with vehicles
Stop after the second line for visibility
Cross the first line but not the second
Highway Code Rule 71 allows cyclists to move past the first stop line into the designated cycle area when lights are red, but crossing the final stop line is illegal. This space is meant for cyclist safety, keeping them visible ahead of traffic. Ignoring stop lines creates risk and violates traffic laws under RTA 1988 and TSRGD regulations.
When should you ride in the centre of your lane?
Quiet roads or junctions
To block faster vehicles
On busy roads
Only during heavy traffic
According to Highway Code Rule 72, cyclists should ride in the centre of their lane on quiet roads or when approaching junctions where overtaking would be unsafe. This positioning increases visibility and reduces the risk of accidents, especially in situations where vehicles may try to overtake inappropriately.
What should you do at junctions with special cycle facilities?
Follow other traffic
Ride in the middle of the lane
Stop and wait
Use the cycle facilities
According to Highway Code Rule 73, at junctions with special cycle facilities, such as cycle traffic lights, cyclists should use them. These facilities are designed to improve safety by allowing cyclists to cross separately from other traffic. Using them helps reduce risks of accidents and improves visibility, making your journey safer and easier.
Where should you ideally park your bicycle to ensure safety and visibility?
In a visible spot using proper stands
Hidden behind a wall to avoid traffic
In a narrow alley for convenience
Leaned against a lamppost on the pavement
Highway Code Rule 70 recommends parking your cycle in a well-lit, visible spot using proper stands to deter theft and prevent danger to others. Avoiding hidden or narrow areas is crucial, as they increase the chance of damage or obstruction. Proper placement ensures your bike is secure and does not interfere with pedestrians, vehicles, or visibility on the road.
Under what circumstances should you dismount and push your cycle across a busy road?
Only on quieter roads
When no vehicles are in sight
When crossing dual carriageways or fast roads
When traffic is moving slowly
On busy roads or dual carriageways, it’s safer to dismount and push your cycle across, especially when traffic is fast. Using traffic islands can help too, allowing you to cross safely in stages. Always wait for a clear gap in traffic before crossing. Highway Code Rule 77: Use caution when crossing busy roads.
What type of reflector is legally required on bicycles used at night?
Green side reflectors
White rear reflector
Red rear reflector
Blue spoke reflectors
At night, a red rear reflector is legally required to enhance a bicycle's visibility from behind. While additional reflectors like white front or spoke reflectors help, they are not legally required. Green or blue reflectors are not part of legal requirements. Highway Code Rule 60: A red rear reflector is a mandatory safety feature on bicycles used at night.
When riding in groups, what is the safest action?
Ride closely together
Ride as fast as possible
Always ride in single file
Ride two abreast, allow overtaking
Riding two abreast is often safer, especially with larger groups. It allows you to be more visible and is safer for less experienced riders. Always allow others to overtake when it’s safe, ensuring a smooth and considerate flow of traffic. Highway Code Rule 66: Be considerate to other road users.
Where must cyclists wait after the first stage of a two-stage right turn?
Right-turn lane
Cycle waiting area
Pedestrian zone
Far-left edge
Cyclists must ride straight ahead to the marked cycle symbol and turn arrow, then wait in that designated spot. This ensures safety and proper road positioning before completing the turn. Waiting here separates cyclists from moving traffic until the correct signal is given. Highway Code Rule 75: Cyclists should stop and wait at the marked area during a two-stage turn.
While cycling on a roundabout, what should you be most aware of?
Cyclists must stay left.
Vehicles crossing your path.
Avoid only entering cyclists.
Pedestrians crossing should have priority.
While cycling on a roundabout, watch for vehicles crossing your path as they join or leave. Drivers may not see you, so stay alert and ride defensively. Proper positioning and anticipation of traffic flow are key for safety. Highway Code Rule 78: Be cautious of vehicles on roundabouts.
How should cyclists pass parked cars to avoid accidents?
Pass with a car-door width gap
Use the pavement briefly
Ride close to save road space
Slow down and hug the left edge
Highway Code Rule 67 clearly advises cyclists to keep at least one metre away from parked vehicles when passing. This space protects riders from being struck by suddenly opened doors. Riding too close, swerving onto pavements, or slowing without proper positioning increases accident risk. Staying aware and maintaining distance ensures safer navigation through potentially hazardous roadside areas.
What is a Toucan crossing?
A crossing only for cyclists
A shared crossing for pedestrians and cyclists
A crossing for pedestrians only
A crossing that cyclists must not use
A Toucan crossing is a light-controlled crossing designed for both pedestrians and cyclists. Cyclists are permitted to ride across when the green signal appears for both. Highway Code Rule 82: Cyclists can use Toucan crossings when the signal is green for both.
What should influence a cyclist’s decision to use a cycle lane?
Whether the lane is painted red
How recently the lane was built
Their experience and the situation
The presence of other cyclists
Cyclists are encouraged, but not legally required, to use cycle lanes. The decision should depend on their skill level, confidence, and the current road conditions. Red paint or crowding isn’t a deciding factor. Highway Code Rule 61: Use your judgement—cycle lanes are for safety, but not mandatory.
Which of the following should cyclists be cautious of when using bus lanes?
Overtaking buses without checking traffic
Passing between the kerb and a bus when it is at a stop
Using bus lanes without proper signage
Entering a busier traffic flow when leaving the bus lane
Highway Code Rule 65 advises cyclists to be careful when exiting bus lanes because it involves entering areas with more traffic. Overtaking buses should also be done with caution, and cyclists must avoid passing between a bus and the kerb when it is stopped. Being mindful of passengers boarding or alighting and ensuring safety when leaving the bus lane is essential.
How must cyclists use a cycle track when it’s physically separated from a footpath?
Cycle in the center of the track
Cycle on the pedestrian side when necessary
Keep to the side designated for cyclists
Choose the path with fewer cyclists
When using a cycle track, cyclists must remain on the side designated for them, ensuring that pedestrians can safely use the footpath. This rule prioritizes the safety of both cyclists and pedestrians, preventing accidents or confusion. Highway Code Rule 62 highlights the importance of proper track usage and following designated lanes.
What should you do when turning right at a junction?
Wait on the left for a gap.
Signal and move right without checking.
Wait for a safe gap before turning.
Turn without checking traffic.
When turning right at a junction, Highway Code Rule 74 advises cyclists to ensure it's safe by checking oncoming traffic before signaling and moving to the center of the road. Wait for a safe gap, and look again before completing the turn. If necessary, dismount and push your cycle across to ensure maximum safety.
What should you do when using a cycle track that is shared with pedestrians?
Ride as quickly as possible to overtake pedestrians
Always take care and allow pedestrians plenty of room
Ride in the middle of the track to maintain balance
Ignore pedestrians and continue at normal speed
When sharing a cycle track with pedestrians, cyclists should always take care and give plenty of room, particularly around vulnerable groups like children, older people, or those with disabilities. This ensures safety for all. Highway Code Rule 62 advises cyclists to slow down and stop if necessary, to avoid any risks or accidents.
What is a key consideration when riding near horses or horse-drawn vehicles?
Pass from the left quickly to avoid any delay.
Pass from the right quickly to avoid any delay.
Never pass a horse on their left and avoid startling them.
Ride as close as possible to horses for minimal impact.
According to Highway Code Rule 63, it is crucial not to pass a horse on its left, as this can startle the animal, potentially causing it to behave unpredictably. Cyclists should always pass from the right, maintaining a safe distance and slowing down. This ensures the safety of both the rider and the horse, preventing accidents.
How should you approach long vehicles on a roundabout?
Ride close to them to pass quickly.
Wait for them to clear the roundabout.
Overtake them on the roundabout.
Position yourself next to them for a clear exit.
Long vehicles need more space to navigate roundabouts. It's safer to wait until they've cleared the roundabout, as trying to pass them could put you in their blind spots or interfere with their manoeuvre. Always give them room to move safely. Highway Code Rule 80: Always give long vehicles ample space on roundabouts.
Are you aware of where cycling is not allowed?
On a quiet road
On a cycle track
On a pedestrian crossing
On a pavement
Highway Code Rule 64 clearly states that cycling on pavements is prohibited to protect pedestrians. Cyclists must use roads or cycle tracks. Riding on pavements can lead to accidents, especially with vulnerable pedestrians, and is illegal unless specifically allowed by local regulations or signage.
Why might a cyclist legally choose not to use a designated cycle lane?
The cycle lane is too narrow for their bike
They are traveling in heavy rain
They prefer riding on the main carriageway
The cycle lane is not clearly marked
A cyclist may choose not to use a cycle lane if it is too narrow for their bike, as riding there could be unsafe. Cyclists have the discretion to decide based on comfort and safety. Using judgment is key when navigating cycle lanes, especially in terms of available space. Highway Code Rule 61: Cyclists should prioritize safety over following markings.
When can cyclists cross a cycle track crossing?
Anytime
Only when the green cycle symbol is showing
When pedestrians are not crossing
When there is no traffic
Cyclists must wait for the green cycle symbol before crossing cycle track crossings. This ensures they cross safely without conflicting with other road users. Highway Code Rule 82: Always wait for the green cycle symbol to cross cycle tracks.
What is an important safety feature of a cycle helmet?
Proper size and secure fit
Matches your clothing
Loose fit for comfort
Bright color for style
A correctly sized and securely fastened helmet reduces the risk of head injury. It must conform to regulations and stay in place during impact. Helmets that are loose or chosen for looks alone offer insufficient protection. Highway Code Rule 59: Cycle helmets should be the right size, worn correctly, and meet legal standards for safety.
What is the correct action when approaching an equestrian or pedestrian crossing?
Ride slowly across
Dismount and walk across
Cycle cautiously through
Wait until the light turns green
At equestrian and pedestrian crossings (like pelican, puffin, or zebra), cyclists must dismount and wheel their bikes across to avoid obstructing or confusing pedestrians and horse riders. This is essential for safety. Highway Code Rule 81: Cyclists must dismount at specific crossings designed for pedestrians and horse riders.