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Difficulty: MediumOvertaking Rules

You are driving on a rural road and approach a horse and rider travelling in the same direction. When the road ahead is clear and safe to overtake, how should you pass them?

  1. A
    Sound your horn gently to warn the rider and overtake promptly
  2. B
    Flash your headlights to confirm priority before overtaking at normal road speed
  3. Slow down to 10 mph or less and pass leaving at least 2 metres of clearanceAnswer
  4. D
    Pass at 20 mph while leaving at least 1.5 metres of clearance

Answer

Slow down to 10 mph or less and pass leaving at least 2 metres of clearance
Under Highway Code Rules 163 and 215, drivers must pass horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of lateral space, without making sudden loud noises or revving the engine.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the vulnerable road user and relevant Highway Code rules
Recognise that horses are easily frightened by speed, proximity, and sudden noise
Rule 163 and Rule 215 of the Highway Code specify clear safety limits for passing horses
2
Apply the legal speed and clearance requirements
Reduce speed to no more than 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of lateral clearance
This prevents spooking the horse and provides adequate room if the horse moves unexpectedly

Key Concept

Overtaking vulnerable road users (horses) with safe speed and clearance
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Overtaking Rules

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