The answer options
- Wave them across the road hurriedly.
- Be patient and allow them sufficient time to cross.Correct
- Rev your engine at them as you wait
- Sound your horn in case they are hard of hearing
Why that is the answer
Elderly pedestrians may take longer to cross the road and might have impaired hearing or vision. You must be patient and allow them plenty of time to cross safely at their own pace. Never wave pedestrians across, as another vehicle could be approaching. Sounding your horn or revving your engine will only frighten or confuse them. The Highway Code stresses showing extra consideration to vulnerable road users.
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?