Big changes to the Highway Code touch down today, revealing a new focus on a ‘hierarchy of road users’.

This means keeping more vulnerable road users – think cyclists and pedestrians – safer by prioritising them over vehicles.

While we’ve already covered the basics of the ‘hierarchy of road users’, here are the 11 key rules you really need to know:

Rule #1

At a junction, you should give way to people crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.

Rule #2

Leave 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.

Rule #3

Pass people riding a horse or driving a horse-drawn vehicle at speeds under 10 mph and allow at least two metres of space.

Rule #4

Allow at least two metres of space and keep to a low speed when passing a person who is walking in the road.

Rule #5

When getting out of your car, you are encouraged to open your door with the hand furthest from the door, to help you look over your shoulder behind you to see people cycling or walking nearby. Passengers should also be encouraged to do the same.

Rule #6

Cyclists should ride in single file when drivers wish to overtake and it’s safe to let them do so. When riding in larger groups on narrow lanes, it’s sometimes safer to ride two abreast.

Rule #7

Don’t turn at a junction if it causes a cyclist going straight ahead to stop or swerve.

Rule #8

Don’t wave or use your horn to invite pedestrians or cyclists to cross; this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching.

Rule #9

You should remain behind cyclists and motorcyclists at junctions, even if they’re waiting to turn and are positioned close to the kerb.

Rule #10

When traffic lights are red and there is an advanced stop line, cyclists may cross the first stop line to position themselves in front of other traffic but mustn’t cross the final stop line.

Rule #11

Cyclists may pass slower-moving or stationary traffic on the right or left, including at the approach to junctions.

Stay informed

While the new rules are being launched today, the driving test and theory test are not being updated until a later date. It means theory test revision questions from DVSA are still correct. To keep track of all the latest updates, head here or chat with your driving instructor.

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Learner and instructor photo by Bas Peperzak on Unsplash

Photo by Samuel Sweet from Pexels

Zebra crossing photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash