Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists have no metal around them, and they account for a heavily disproportionate share of deaths and serious injuries. Most of the test's hazard questions are really about them.
Cyclists
The RSA advises a passing distance of at least 1 metre where the speed limit is 50 km/h or below, and at least 1.5 metres above it. Dangerous overtaking of a cyclist is a specific offence carrying penalty points.
Two situations do most of the damage:
- Turning left across a cyclist you have just overtaken. Hold back instead.
- Opening a car door into one. Check mirrors and blind spot first. Reaching across with your far hand turns your body and forces you to look.
Pedestrians
Wait for older pedestrians and anyone crossing slowly. They may not see or hear you and cannot speed up; sounding the horn achieves nothing except fright.
A ball rolling into the road in a residential area means a child is about to follow it. Reading what a hazard implies, rather than just what it is, is the skill the theory test is really testing.
Motorcyclists
Leave more following distance than you would behind a car. Riders steer around potholes, drain covers and diesel spills that you would simply drive over, so their line changes without warning.
At junctions, a motorcycle is easy to look at and not see. The most common car-versus-motorcycle collision starts with a driver who looked directly at the bike and did not register it.
Trucks and buses
Never move up the inside of a truck that is turning left. It swings wide to make the turn, and the gap that opens is not an invitation — it closes as the trailer follows the cab round.
In a built-up area, give way to a bus signalling to move out from a stop.
Horses
Pass wide and slow. Do not sound the horn and do not rev the engine.