Changes to the Highway Code at a glance

The latest changes to The Highway Code include:

• Giving people walking across and people cycling going straight ahead priority when turning in and out of junctions

• Leaving at least 1.5 metres when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds.

• Passing people riding a horse or driving a horse-drawn vehicle at speeds under 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres of space

• Allowing at least 2 metres of space and keep to a low speed when passing a person who is walking in the road

• Encouraging people driving vehicles to open their doors with the hand furthest from the door, to help them look over their shoulder behind them to see people cycling or walking nearby

• People cycling may ride in the centre of the road or two abreast for their own safety, whilst allowing others to overtake when it is safe for them to do so

Changes to how the practical test is assessed

Most of the changes reinforce existing good driving behaviour and do not alter how we assess driving tests. But some of the changes will result in a change in assessment.

The new rule H2 results in a change of assessment during a driving test. This says: “At a junction you should give way to people crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning”.

People driving or riding a motorcycle will need to take this new requirement to give way to people walking into account as they plan their approach to the junction.

We are reminding our driving examiners that it will take time for everyone, including people driving, riding, cycling, walking and horse riding to adapt to the changes. Our examiners will take all of these factors into account as some people may not be aware of the changes and may react differently to the way novice drivers might be expecting.