The answer options
- The same room as overtaking a carCorrect
- An entire car's length
- An entire car's width
- Twice a car's width
Why that is the answer
You must give cyclists at least as much clearance as you would when overtaking a car. The Highway Code advises leaving at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking at speeds up to 30mph, and even more at higher speeds. Cyclists are vulnerable road users and need extra space because gusts of wind, potholes, or drains can cause them to wobble or swerve unexpectedly. Measuring clearance using car lengths or widths is incorrect and unsafe.
How this comes up in the real test
Questions from vulnerable road users appear throughout the 50-question multiple-choice section, and the wording changes between versions. Learn the rule rather than the sentence: the DVSA can ask the same point from the opposite direction, and a memorised answer falls over the moment the phrasing moves.
The pass mark is 43 out of 50, so seven wrong answers is your entire margin. If a whole category is shaky, run the topic practice below until you are getting every question right for the right reason, then go back to full mocks under the clock.
More vulnerable road users questions
- A moving vehicle ahead is showing a flashing amber beacon. What does this signal?
- As you approach a pelican crossing, the lights change to green. What should you do if older people are still crossing?
- At night, what does it mean if you see a pedestrian wearing reflective clothing and carrying a bright red light?
- Before turning right into a side road, why should you check for motorcyclists?
- How can you reduce your risk of involvement in accidents or collisions when you have just passed your driving test?
- How should you pass riders on horses?