DVSA Highway Code Rules 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the key difference between a pelican crossing and a puffin crossing?
- Pelican crossings have a flashing green man; puffin crossings do not
- Pelican crossings have sensors that detect pedestrians; puffin crossings do not
- Puffin crossings have sensors and the green/red man is on the near side; pelican crossings have a flashing amber phase (Correct answer)
- There is no difference
Correct answer: Puffin crossings have sensors and the green/red man is on the near side; pelican crossings have a flashing amber phase
Puffin crossings use infrared sensors to detect pedestrians on the crossing and adjust the light timing. The pedestrian signal is on the near side of the road (not across it). Pelican crossings have a flashing amber light phase where drivers may proceed if the crossing is clear.
Question 2: What type of crossing allows cyclists to ride across alongside pedestrians?
- Zebra crossing
- Pelican crossing
- Puffin crossing
- Toucan crossing (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Toucan crossing
A toucan crossing is designed for both pedestrians and cyclists to cross together — 'two can' cross. Cyclists do not need to dismount. The crossing is wider than a pelican or puffin crossing to accommodate both.
Question 3: When may you drive in a bus lane?
- Never — bus lanes are only for buses
- At any time outside rush hour
- Only during the times shown on the sign, and only if your vehicle is permitted (Correct answer)
- Only if there are no buses visible
Correct answer: Only during the times shown on the sign, and only if your vehicle is permitted
Bus lanes operate during the hours shown on the accompanying sign. Outside those hours, other vehicles may use the lane. Some bus lanes also permit taxis, motorcycles, or cyclists during operating hours — check the signs for details.
Question 4: What is the legal requirement regarding seatbelts for adult passengers?
- The driver is always responsible for adult passengers wearing seatbelts
- Adult passengers are responsible for wearing their own seatbelts (Correct answer)
- Seatbelts are only required on motorways
- Rear-seat passengers do not need to wear seatbelts
Correct answer: Adult passengers are responsible for wearing their own seatbelts
Adult passengers (aged 14 and over) are legally responsible for wearing their own seatbelts. The driver is responsible for ensuring children under 14 are properly restrained with an appropriate seatbelt or child seat.
Question 5: When overtaking, which side must you pass on?
- Always on the left
- Always on the right
- On the right, unless the vehicle ahead is turning right (Correct answer)
- On whichever side has more space
Correct answer: On the right, unless the vehicle ahead is turning right
You should normally overtake on the right. However, you may pass on the left if the vehicle ahead is signalling and positioned to turn right, or in slow-moving queues where the left lane is moving faster (such as on a motorway).
Question 6: What does a pegasus crossing allow?
- Only pedestrians to cross
- Cyclists and pedestrians to cross
- Horse riders to cross alongside pedestrians (Correct answer)
- Emergency vehicles to override the lights
Correct answer: Horse riders to cross alongside pedestrians
A pegasus (or equestrian) crossing is designed for horse riders. It has a higher button and a horse-and-rider signal. The name comes from the mythical winged horse, Pegasus.
DVSA Highway Code Rules 2
What is the key difference between a pelican crossing and a puffin crossing?