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Difficulty: HardAnimals and Horse Riders

You are driving on a rural road and approach a horse and rider travelling ahead in your lane. Arrange the driver's actions in the correct sequential order from first to last to pass them safely according to The Highway Code.

  1. 1Gradually reduce your speed to under 10 mph and maintain a wide, safe following distance behind the horse.
  2. 2Hold back behind the rider until the forward road view is completely clear of oncoming vehicles, bends, or crests.
  3. 3Signal and steer wide into the opposing lane, allowing at least 2 metres of clearance while keeping engine revs low.
  4. 4Check your rear-view mirror to verify the horse is well behind before gently returning to your lane.

Answer

Gradually reduce speed to under 10 mph and hold back, wait for a clear forward view free of oncoming hazards, overtake with at least 2 metres clearance at low engine revs, and confirm via rear-view mirror before returning to your lane.
According to Highway Code Rule 215, drivers approaching horse riders must first reduce speed to under 10 mph and hold back, wait for a completely clear overtaking opportunity without oncoming traffic, pass giving at least 2 metres of space while keeping engine revs low, and finally confirm clearance in the rear-view mirror before smoothly moving back into lane.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Decelerate early and smoothly to under 10 mph while keeping well back from the horse.
Vehicle approaches calmly without sudden brake lights or close proximity that could spook the animal.
Highway Code Rule 215 specifies that drivers must slow down when approaching horses to prevent unpredictable reactions.
2
Hold your position behind the horse and observe the road ahead for oncoming traffic and visibility obstructions.
A safe overtaking window is established before crossing the centre line.
Passing without full forward visibility risks a head-on collision or being forced back into the horse.
3
Move out wide across the lane, maintaining at least 2 metres of separation at low engine revs.
The vehicle clears the rider with safe lateral clearance and minimal noise disturbance.
Highway Code Rule 215 requires passing horse riders at under 10 mph and allowing at least 2 metres of space.
4
Check the interior mirror and steer smoothly back into the left lane once well clear of the horse.
The overtaking manoeuvre is safely completed without cutting in.
Returning too sharply or early can frighten the animal or clip the rider.

Key Concept

Highway Code Rule 215 horse rider overtaking procedure
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

Animals and Horse Riders

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