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Question

Difficulty: HardBuses and Coaches

You are following a long tour coach as it approaches a narrow left-hand junction on a two-way urban road. The coach signals left but swings out towards the centre line before turning. Which action should you take?

  1. A
    Filter past the coach on the left-hand side where space has opened up along the kerb
  2. Hold back safely behind the coach and give it room to complete the turnAnswer
  3. C
    Flash your headlights repeatedly to indicate that you are conceding right of way
  4. D
    Move closely up behind the coach to prevent other vehicles from entering its blind spots

Answer

Hold back safely behind the coach and give it room to complete the turn
Long vehicles such as buses and coaches need extra room when turning into narrow side roads. Because of their length and wheelbase, the rear wheels cut inward across the corner (swept path). To prevent the rear wheels from mounting the pavement, the driver must swing out towards the centre of the road before turning. Drivers following behind should remain well back, stay out of blind spots, and wait patiently until the vehicle has completed the manoeuvre.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the vehicle type and its physical turning characteristics
Recognise that long coaches require a wide turning arc (swept path) to avoid mounting the kerb or clipping roadside obstacles on tight corners
Long wheelbases mean the rear wheels follow a tighter radius than the front wheels when cornering
2
Evaluate the coach driver's lane positioning and indicator signal
Understand that swinging right while signalling left is a necessary preparatory manoeuvre for a sharp left turn, not an invitation to undertake or an aborted manoeuvre
The driver must create enough clearance for the body and rear overhang of the coach to clear the corner safely
3
Choose the correct driving response based on Highway Code rules for large vehicles
Maintain a safe following distance and remain positioned well behind the coach until the turn is fully executed
Staying back keeps your vehicle visible in the coach's mirrors and eliminates the risk of being crushed or trapped along the kerb

Key Concept

Long vehicle turning arcs, swept paths, and spatial clearance at junctions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Buses and Coaches

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