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Motorcycle study notes

Vulnerable Road Users

Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and older or disabled road users.

What this topic covers

Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and older or disabled road users. The full Motorcycle Theory Test app contains 64 questions on this topic.

In the app's syllabus: Pedestrians, Children, Elderly drivers, Disabled people, Cyclists, Motorcyclists, Animals, New drivers.

Worked examples

Here are a few practice questions from this topic. Try answering each before reading the explanation.

Example 1

Where would you see this sign?

A. On the rear of a school bus or coach ✓ correct
B. At playground areas
C. At the side of the road
D. In the window of a car taking children to school

Explanation: Vehicles that are used to carry children to and from school will be travelling at busy times of the day. If you're following a vehicle with this sign, be prepared for it to make frequent stops. It might pick up or set down passengers in places other than normal bus stops.

Example 2

You see a pedestrian carrying a white stick that also has a red band. What does this mean?

A. They're deaf and blind ✓ correct
B. They're blind
C. They're deaf
D. They have limited mobility

Explanation: When someone is deaf as well as blind, they may carry a white stick with a red reflective band or bands. They may not be aware that you're approaching and they may not be able to hear anything; so, for example, your horn would be ineffective as a warning to them.

Example 3

What should you do when you're following a learner driver who stalls at a junction?

A. Immediately steer around them and drive on
B. Start to rev your engine if they take too long to restart
C. Stay very close behind and flash your headlights
D. Be patient, as you expect them to make mistakes ✓ correct

Explanation: Learning to drive is a process of practice and experience. Try to understand this and tolerate those who make mistakes while they're learning.

Example 4

How should you react to inexperienced drivers?

A. Overtake them as soon as possible
B. Flash your headlights to indicate that it's safe for them to proceed
C. Be patient and prepare for them to react more slowly ✓ correct
D. Sound your horn to warn them of your presence

Explanation: Learners might not have confidence when they first start to drive. Allow them plenty of room and do not react adversely to their hesitation. We all learn from experience, but new drivers will have had less practice in dealing with all the situations that might occur.

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More Motorcycle study notes

Get all 64 questions on this topic in the Motorcycle Theory Test app.