Rules for Animals, Cyclists & Motorcyclists

📖 DVSA Revision Lesson ⏱️ 10 Min Read ❓ 10 Practice Questions 🌐 68 Languages Support

Last updated: 7 September 2026

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Slide 0: SHARING THE ROAD : A Guide to the UK Highway Code for Cyclists , Motorcyclists , and Animal Handlers CYCLISTS : GEAR , MAINTENANCE , & ROAD POSITIONING Essential Pre - Ride Checks Mastering Road Positioning Ensure tyres are at the correct pressure Chain is oiled : adjusted Saddle & handlebars are at the correct height for safety / comfort Ride in the center of your lane on quiet roads or in slow traffic to stay visible . The Legal ' MUSTS ' for Cycles You MUST have efficient brakes . Use white front & red rear lights when cycling at night ( Laws PCUR rags 6 & 10 ) . Safety Gear Recommendations Wear a correctly fitted helmet & high - visibility or reflective clothing to be seen in daylight & dark . On busy roads , keep at least 0.5 meters from the kerb . Passing Parked Vehicles Leave a ' door's width ' ( about 1 meter ) to avoid being hit by opening doors . MOTORCYCLISTS : LICENSES , SAFETY & TRAINING; Compulsory Basic Training ( CBT ) If you have a provisional Lo license , you MUST complete CBT before riding on public roads ( Law RTA 1988 sect 97 ) . Helmet and Eye Protection Riders & pillion passengers MUST wear a securely fastened , regulation- compliant helmet ( except for Sikhs wearing a turban ) . Passenger Restrictions You MUST NOT carry more than one passenger ; they must sit astride a proper seat facing forward with feet on footrests . MOTORCYCLE LICENSE LADDER A : Min Age 21 ( Prog ) / 24 ( Dir ) . Any motorcycle ; tricycles over 15 kW ( min age 21 ) . ANIMALS & HORSE RIDERS: Protection for Young Riders Children under 14 MUST weer a securely fastened regulation- compliant behnet when riding a horse . Night Visibility for Horses If riding at night , horses should wear reflective bands above the fetlock joints & a reflective tail guard is strongly recommended . Turning at Junctions When turning right , move to the center of the road when safe ; at some signal - controlled junctions , follow ' Two - Stage Turn ' markings . Two - Stage Turn A2 : Min Age 19 . Motorcycles with power output up to 35 kW . At : Min Age 17 . Motorcycles up to 125 cc ( 11 kW ) ; tricycles up to 15 kW . AM ( Moped ) : Min Age 16 .Max speed 45 km / h ( 28 mph ) ; up to 50 cc . Dogs and Herding Dogs must be kept on a short lead on shared paths ; herded animals should be preceded by a person to warn others , especially at bends . Slide 1: The Highway Code Blueprint A visual survival guide for two - wheeled and animal road users . Synthesized from Department for Transport Regulations ( Annex 1 , 2 , and Rules 47-88 ) . Slide 2: The Shared Ethos of Vulnerability 1. Be Seen ( Visibility ) Fluorescent in daylight , reflective at night . The code mandates specific lighting configurations to pierce through environmental noise . 2. Claim Space ( Positioning ) Vulnerable users are repeatedly instructed to abandon the margins and take the centre of the lane to prevent dangerous overtaking at pinch points . 3. Communicate ( Predictability ) Lacking a metal chassis , clear physical signalling and constant observation are codified as absolute requirements for survival . Slide 3: The Cyclist : Pre - Ride Anatomy & Legal Mandates MUST by Law Brakes : Ensure efficient operation . SHOULD for Safety Tyres : Good condition , inflated to indicated pressure . Saddle & Handlebars : Adjusted to correct height . Bell : Recommended to be fitted for shared spaces . Lights : White front and red rear lights lit at night . Chain : Properly adjusted and oiled . Wheels & Gears : Spin freely and work correctly . Slide 4: Adaptive Visibility : Day vs. Night Requirements Daylight Guidelines Clothing : Light - coloured or fluorescent clothing recommended to stand out . • Helmet : Conforms to regulations , correctly sized , securely fastened . Avoid loose clothing that could tangle in the chain . Night Mandates ⚫ Clothing : Reflective clothing and accessories ( belts , arm / ankle bands ) recommended . • Hardware ( MUST HAVE ) : - White front light - Red rear light -Red rear reflector - Amber pedal reflectors ( if manufactured after 1/10/85 ) Note : Flashing lights are permitted , but a steady front lamp is recommended in unlit areas . Slide 5: Strategic Road Positioning ( Rule 72 ) in Transport Heavy Scenario A : The Primary Position Scenario B : The Secondary Position Ride in the centre on quiet roads , in slower - moving traffic , or approaching narrowings / junctions to maximize visibility and prevent unsafe overtaking . Keep at least 0.5 metres from the kerb edge when letting faster vehicles overtake on busy roads . The Door Hazard ( Rule 67 ) Always leave a door's width or 1 metre when passing parked cars . Slide 6: Executing the Two - Stage Right Turn ( Rule 75 ) 1 : The Approach in Transport Medium Traffic light is green . The cyclist moves straight ahead ( not diagonally across the intersection ) . 2 : The Staging Area in Transport Medium The cyclist stops at the marked cycle symbol and turn arrow on the carriageway , pivoting 90 degrees to face the new direction of travel . 3 : The Completion in Transport Medium The cyclist waits . When the traffic light on the far side turns green , they complete the right turn , safely ahead of the turning motor traffic . Slide 7: The Path to Riding : Access Pathways Provisional Licence Learner Rider Compulsory Basic Training ( CBT ) MUST complete before riding on road Full Licence Pathways Direct Access Category A ( Unrestricted ) Ride unaccompanied up to 125cc ( max 11 kW ) with L plates for up to two years . Requires Theory Test + Modules 1 & 2 Practical Tests Progressive Access Age 21+ AND held A2 licence for minimum 2 years Category A ( No extra theory test needed ) Slide 8: Motorcycle Licence Categories Matrix AM ( Moped ) A1 ( Light ) A2 ( Standard ) A ( Unrestricted ) Minimum Age 24 ( Direct ) or 21 ( Progressive ) 2 / 3 / 4 - wheeled ( max speed 45 km / h ) Vehicle Type Motorcycle or Tricycle Any Motorcycle / Tricycle Motorcycle Max Engine Size Up to 50cc Up to 125cc Unrestricted Max Power Output Max 4 kW Max 11 kW ( Motorcycle ) / 15 kW ( Tricycle ) Max 35 kW Rule 85 Mandate : Provisional riders MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger or pull a trailer . Slide 9: Motorcycle Gear & Passenger Mandates The Rider MUST wear a securely fastened protective helmet ( Exemption : follower of Sikh religion wearing a turban ) . Advisable : Regulated eye protectors / visor , ear protection , strong boots , gloves . The Pillion Passenger MUST sit astride the machine on a proper seat , facing forward with both feet on footrests . The motorcycle MUST be designed to carry a passenger . The Core Mantra : O - S - M Observe : Check behind and sides ( mirrors ) . Watch for pedestrians in queues and filtering traffic . Signal : Ensure clear intentions . Manoeuvre : Keep speed low when filtering in slow - moving traffic . Slide 10: The Equestrian : Rider & Horse Preparation Helmet : Children under 14 MUST wear a securely fastened , regulated helmet . ( Highly recommended for all ) . Tack Check : Ensure all tack fits well and is in good condition . Never ride without both saddle and bridle . Visibility : Light / fluorescent in daylight ; reflective at night . Footwear : Boots or shoes with hard soles and heels . Night Riding ( If unavoidable ) : Horse needs reflective bands above the fetlock joints . Strongly recommended : Fluorescent / reflective tail guard . Slide 11: Equestrian Road Navigation ( Rules 53-54 ) Positioning Rules - Keep to the left . - Keep both hands on the reins ( unless signalling ) and both feet in stirrups . -Do not carry another person or objects that affect balance . - Never ride more than two abreast ; ride single file on narrow roads or bends . Restricted Infrastructure - MUST NOT take a horse onto a footpath or pavement . -Should not use a cycle track . Use bridleways or equestrian crossings where possible . Signalling Look behind to ensure safety , then give a clear arm signal before riding off or turning . Slide 12: Animal Handlers : Dogs & Herded Animals Dogs in Transit ( Rules 56-57 ) • In Vehicles : Animals MUST be suitably restrained ( seat belt harness , pet carrier , dog cage , or dog guard ) to prevent distraction or injury during sudden stops . • On the Street : Do not let a dog out on the road on its own . Keep on a short lead on pavements or shared paths . Herded Animals ( Rule 58 ) • Control : Keep under control at all times . Warning : Send another person ahead to warn road users , especially at bends or the brow of a hill . ⚫ After Dark : If moving at night , handlers must wear reflective clothing and carry lights ( White at the front , Red at the rear of the herd ) . Slide 13: Navigating Shared Infrastructure Toucan vs. Equestrian Crossings Toucan : Push - button operated . Cyclists and pedestrians share space and cross at the same time ( Cyclists may ride across ) . Equestrian : For horse riders only . Cyclists MUST NOT ride across equestrian or zebra / pelican crossings ( must dismount ) . Cycle Tracks & Shared Spaces Cyclists MUST keep to the cyclist side of segregated tracks . In unsegregated spaces , slow down , ring bell , and do not pass pedestrians / horses closely or at high speed . ( Never pass a horse on their left ) . Bus Lanes Most bus lanes may be used by cyclists . Watch for disembarking passengers . Do not pass between the kerb and a stopped bus . Slide 14: The Roundabout Threat Map : A Shared Strategy The Shared Danger Both cyclists and equestrians are permitted to navigate roundabouts by staying in the left - hand lane , regardless of their intended exit . This exposes them to vehicles cutting across their path to leave the roundabout . The Defensive Tactic Cyclists ( Rule 79 ) : If you keep to the left - hand lane ... signal right to show you are not leaving the roundabout . Equestrians ( Rule 55 ) : If you use them ... keep to the left ... signal right when riding across exits to show you are not leaving . Insight The Code relies on using the physical body ( the right arm signal ) as a temporary shield to command space and communicate non - exit intent to motor vehicles . Slide 15: The Blueprint Summary : 3 Rules for Vulnerable Users 1. Hyper - Visibility is Not Optional From the fluorescent tail guard on a horse to the mandatory white / red lights on a bicycle , the Code relies on the user actively separating themselves from the background of the road . 2. Predictability is Your Armor Lacking a metal chassis , your intentions keep you safe . Use the Observation - Signal- Manoeuvre ( O - S - M ) sequence . Use the two - stage right turn . Look behind before moving . 3. Claim Your Space The margin is a danger zone . Whether maintaining a 0.5m buffer from the kerb , staying 1m away from parked cars , or or taking the absolute centre of quiet lane , the Code empowers vulnerable users to command the space they need to survive .

📜 Official Lesson Transcript & Audio SRT Dialogue 131 Timestamps

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00:00 All right, in this explainer, we are cracking open the UK's highway code.

00:04 But we're not talking about cars today.

00:06 Nope, we're zeroing in on everyone else.

00:08 The cyclists, motorcyclists, and even horse riders who share our roads.

00:12 Let's get right into it.

00:14 So, let's start with a really simple question.

00:17 Do you think the road is just for cars?

00:19 It's easy to think so, but the highway code couldn't be clearer.

00:23 Our roads are genuinely shared spaces,

00:26 designed for all kinds of different uses.

00:29 And here's who we're talking about.

00:31 It's not just cyclists and motorcyclists.

00:34 The code has guidance for horse riders, horse drawn carriages,

00:37 and even people hurting animals down the road.

00:40 So what we're going to do is boil all of that down into a really simple, practical guide.

00:45 Okay, let's dive in.

00:47 First things first, getting started.

00:49 Before you even think about setting off,

00:52 the absolute first principle is preparation.

00:54 You've got to make sure both you and your, well, your vehicle

00:58 are genuinely road ready.

01:00 You know, it doesn't matter if you're hopping on a bicycle or a horse,

01:03 the core idea is exactly the same.

01:05 Check your equipment is safe.

01:07 For cyclists, the code is crystal clear.

01:10 You must make sure your brakes work properly.

01:12 That's a legal requirement.

01:14 And for horse riders, it's about checking your tackes and good shape

01:16 and crucially, knowing you can control your horse around traffic.

01:21 Now, for motorcyclists, training is totally non-negotiable.

01:25 Before you can even ride on a company on L-plates,

01:28 you must pass your compulsory basic training or CBT.

01:32 Think of it as the foundational course

01:33 that gives you the essential skills and safety know-how to get started.

01:37 And that training is just the start of a whole journey.

01:41 This slide shows it perfectly.

01:43 It's a progressive path.

01:45 You start on a moped at 16, move up to a light motorcycle at 17,

01:49 and then gradually work your way to bigger bikes as you gain age and experience,

01:54 eventually earning that full unrestricted license.

01:57 All right, next up, visibility.

02:00 This is a huge one.

02:02 It doesn't matter what you're riding.

02:03 If other road users can't see you, you're in a dangerous spot.

02:06 It all comes down to one of the most fundamental rules of the road.

02:10 See and be seen.

02:11 This chart just lays it out so clearly.

02:14 In the daytime, for everyone, it's basically common sense,

02:17 where bright, fluorescent clothing.

02:19 But when visibility is poor or at night, things get much more serious.

02:24 For cyclists, those front and rear lights aren't just a suggestion.

02:27 They are a legal must.

02:29 Same for horse riders.

02:30 Your horse must have reflective bands.

02:33 So you're prepared and you're visible.

02:35 Now for the tricky part.

02:37 How do you actually interact with all the other traffic out there?

02:41 Well, the highway code gets pretty specific on road positioning.

02:44 Now, this can be a real game changer for cyclists.

02:47 The guidance is to actually ride in the center of your lane on quiet roads

02:50 or in slow-moving traffic.

02:52 And you might ask, why?

02:54 Well, it makes you much more visible.

02:56 And it actively stops drivers from attempting a dangerous overtake

03:00 when there just isn't enough space.

03:02 For horse riders, it's a completely different set of rules,

03:04 all designed to maximize control and predictability.

03:08 You know, keeping to the left, writing single file on busy roads,

03:11 and keeping both hands on the reins.

03:13 And yeah, you can probably guess why the code says

03:16 to avoid roundabouts if you possibly can.

03:19 And if you're on a motorcycle, it's all about playing chess with traffic.

03:22 You have to anticipate what drivers can

03:25 and, more importantly, can't see.

03:27 The best tip?

03:28 Position yourself so you can pop up right in their mirrors.

03:31 It's a small adjustment that makes a massive difference.

03:34 Here's a number for you.

03:36 One meter.

03:37 If you're a cyclist passing parked cars,

03:39 you need to leave at least one meter of space.

03:41 Think of it as the door zone.

03:43 That single meter of clearance could easily prevent a really nasty accident.

03:48 Okay, this next part is absolutely crucial.

03:50 While a lot of the highway code is advice, strong advice,

03:53 but still advice, some rules are black and white law.

03:57 These are the must-nots, the things you can get in real trouble for.

04:00 This is probably one of the most fundamental rules.

04:03 Pavements are for pedestrians.

04:05 You must not cycle on them.

04:07 Simple as that.

04:08 It draws a clear line between where bikes belong

04:11 and where people on foot belong.

04:13 And you've probably guessed it.

04:14 The exact same rule applies to horses.

04:17 A horse must not be taken onto a footpath

04:20 or a pavement, reinforcing that those spaces

04:23 are reserved exclusively for pedestrians.

04:26 He's a big one for new riders.

04:28 If you're still on L-plates,

04:29 you must not carry a passenger on the back.

04:32 That's a serious safety rule,

04:33 and it's only lifted once you've passed your full test.

04:36 And a very similar logic applies to cyclists.

04:40 Giving a friend a ride on your handlebars

04:42 might seem like a bit of harmless fun,

04:44 but it is illegal unless your bike is specifically designed for it,

04:48 like a tandem or one with a proper child seat.

04:51 And let's wrap this section up

04:53 with one of the most important life-saving rules

04:55 in the entire code.

04:57 If you are on any kind of motorcycle, scooter, or moped,

05:00 both the rider and any passenger

05:03 must wear a protective helmet.

05:05 No ifs, no buts.

05:07 So when you boil it all down,

05:08 what's the big takeaway from all this?

05:10 It's that the road is a shared space.

05:13 It really is.

05:14 And navigating it safely all comes down

05:16 to three basic principles.

05:18 Be prepared, be visible, and show some mutual respect

05:21 for everyone else out there.

05:23 Which leaves us with one final thought.

05:27 Knowing the rules is one thing, right?

05:29 That's the easy part.

05:30 But are you ready to truly share the road?

05:33 Because applying these rules with a bit of patience

05:35 and consideration for others,

05:37 well, that's what really makes our roads safer

05:40 for every single one of us.

📖 Rules for Animals, Cyclists & Motorcyclists (Rules 47-88)

📌 1. Rules about Animals (Rules 47-58)

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Rule 47 ↗ (Horse-drawn vehicles): Horse-drawn vehicles used on the highway should be operated and maintained in accordance with standards set out in the Department for Transport’s Code of Practice for Horse-Drawn Vehicles.
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Rule 48 ↗: All horse-drawn vehicles should have two red rear reflectors. It is safer not to drive at night but if you do, a light showing white to the front and red to the rear MUST be fitted.
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Rule 49 ↗ (Horse riders): Children under the age of 14 MUST wear a helmet which complies with the Regulations. It MUST be fastened securely. These requirements do not apply to a child who is a follower of the Sikh religion while wearing a turban.
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Rule 50 ↗: ** Light-coloured or fluorescent clothing should be worn in daylight.

🖼️ Rule 50: Help yourself to be seen

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Rule 51 ↗: ** It is safer not to ride at night or in poor visibility, but if you do, make sure you wear reflective clothing and your horse has reflective bands above the fetlock joints.
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Rule 52 ↗: Before you take a horse or horse drawn vehicle on to the road, you should ensure all tack fits well and is in good condition, and make sure you can control the horse.
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Rule 53 ↗: ** Before moving off or turning, look behind you to make sure it is safe, then give a clear arm signal.
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Rule 54 ↗: You MUST NOT** take a horse onto a footpath or pavement, and you should not take a horse onto a cycle track. Use a bridleway where possible.
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Rule 55 ↗: ** Avoid roundabouts if possible. If you use them you should keep to the left and watch out for vehicles crossing your path to leave or join the roundabout. Signal right when riding across exits to show you are not leaving.
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Rule 56 ↗ (Other animals): ** Do not let a dog out on the road on its own. Keep it on a short lead when walking on the pavement, road or path shared with cyclists or horse riders.
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Rule 57 ↗: ** When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly.
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Rule 58 ↗: ** If you are herding animals, leave plenty of room and have someone warning traffic.

📌 2. Rules for Cyclists (Rules 59-82)

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Rule 59 ↗ (Clothing): ** You should wear a cycle helmet which conforms to current regulations, is the correct size and securely fastened. Wear appropriate clothes for cycling, including light-coloured or fluorescent clothing in daylight and reflective clothing in the dark.

🖼️ Rule 59: Help yourself to be seen

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Rule 60 ↗ (Lights): At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST** also be fitted with a red rear reflector.
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Rule 61 ↗: Cycle lanes are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway. Use facilities such as cycle lanes and tracks, advanced stop lines and toucan crossings where they make your journey safer and easier.
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Rule 62 ↗: Cycle Tracks are routes for cyclists that are physically protected or located away from motor traffic. You MUST keep to the side intended for cyclists as the pedestrian side remains a pavement or footpath. On shared use routes, you should always take care when passing pedestrians, especially children, older or disabled people, and allow them plenty of room.
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Rule 63 ↗: When riding in places where sharing with pedestrians, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles is permitted, take care when passing. Slow down when necessary and let them know you are there; for example, by ringing your bell. Do not pass pedestrians, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles closely or at high speed, particularly from behind.
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Rule 64 ↗: You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.
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Rule 65 ↗: Most bus lanes may be used by cyclists as indicated on signs. Watch out for people getting on or off a bus.
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Rule 66 ↗: You should avoid any actions that could reduce your control of your cycle. You can ride two abreast and it can be safer to do so, particularly in larger groups. Be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians.
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Rule 67 ↗: ** Look all around before moving away from the kerb, turning or manoeuvring, to make sure it is safe to do so. Give a clear arm signal to show other road users what you intend to do.
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Rule 68 ↗: You MUST NOT carry a passenger unless your cycle has been built or adapted to carry one, hold onto a moving vehicle or trailer, ride in a dangerous, careless or inconsiderate manner, or ride when under the influence of drink or drugs, including medicine.
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Rule 69 ↗: You MUST obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.
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Rule 70 ↗: When parking your cycle, find a conspicuous location, use cycle stands, do not leave it where it would cause an obstruction or hazard to other road users, and secure it well.
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Rule 71 ↗: At traffic light junctions and at cycle-only crossings with traffic lights, you MUST NOT cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red.
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Rule 72 ↗ (Road positioning): Ride in the centre of your lane on quiet roads or streets, in slower-moving traffic, and at the approach to junctions or road narrowings. When riding on busy roads, with vehicles moving faster than you, allow them to overtake where it is safe to do so whilst keeping at least 0.5 metres away from the kerb edge.
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Rule 73 ↗ (Junctions): Some junctions, particularly those with traffic lights, have special cycle facilities, including small cycle traffic lights at eye-level height.
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Rule 74 ↗: ** If you are turning left, check behind you to make sure it is safe, give a clear signal and negotiate the junction as you would do when driving a car.
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Rule 75 ↗ (Two Stage Turns): At some signal-controlled junctions there may be signs and markings informing cyclists to turn right in two stages.
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Rule 76 ↗: ** If you are going straight ahead, check your mirrors and blind spots to make sure it is safe.
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Rule 77 ↗: ** When crossing dual carriageways, wait for a safe gap and cross each carriageway in turn.
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Rule 78 ↗ (Roundabouts): Watch out for vehicles crossing your path to leave or join the roundabout, remembering that drivers may not easily see you.
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Rule 79 ↗: If you are turning right, you can ride in the left or right-hand lanes and move left when approaching your exit.
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Rule 80 ↗: Give plenty of room to long vehicles on the roundabout as they need more space to manoeuvre.
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Rule 81 ↗ (Crossing the road): Do not ride across equestrian crossings, as they are for horse riders only. Do not ride across a pelican, puffin or zebra crossing. Dismount and wheel your cycle across.
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Rule 82 ↗: Toucan crossings are light-controlled crossings which allow cyclists and pedestrians to share crossing space and cross at the same time. Cyclists are permitted to ride across.

📌 3. Rules for Motorcyclists (Rules 83-88)

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Rule 83 ↗: On all journeys, the rider and pillion passenger on a motorcycle, scooter or moped MUST wear a protective helmet. This does not apply to a follower of the Sikh religion while wearing a turban. Helmets MUST comply with the Regulations and they MUST be fastened securely.
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Rule 84 ↗: It is also advisable to wear eye protectors, which MUST comply with the Regulations.
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Rule 85 ↗: You MUST NOT carry more than one pillion passenger who MUST sit astride the machine on a proper seat. Provisional licence holders MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger.
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Rule 86 ↗ (Daylight riding): Make yourself as visible as possible from the side as well as the front and rear. You could wear a light or brightly coloured helmet and fluorescent clothing or strips.

🖼️ Rule 86: Help yourself to be seen

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Rule 87 ↗: ** At night, wear reflective clothing or strips to improve your visibility in the dark.
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Rule 88 ↗: ** When manoeuvring or filtering in slow-moving traffic, you should be aware of what is behind and in front of you, and keep your speed low.

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