Practical Driving Test Tips - Pedestrian Crossings
| Problem | Reason | Solution |
| You accelerated through the crossing | Because you believed it to be clear | Drive through the crossing at a steady, constant speed. Check mirrors and then accelerate when you have cleared the crossing |
| You approached the crossing too slowly | Because you thought it was safer | Start braking later, say, 3 car lengths. Early, exaggerated reduction of speed will confuse and annoy following drivers |
| You didn’t check your mirrors on approach to the crossing | Because you were mesmerised by the crossing itself | Check mirrors as soon as you see the crossing and then check again as you get closer |
| You didn’t check your mirrors on approach to the crossing | Because you didn’t want to take your eyes off the road | Use mirrors first - it will take less than half a second to do this |
| You didn’t check your mirrors on approach to the crossing | Because you were late seeing the crossing | Look actively for crossings and be aware of where they could be placed (advise) |
| You didn’t stop at the crossing, when necessary | Because you were unaware of the regulations | You must stop if someone is crossing, or if they have one foot on the crossing |
| You didn’t stop at the crossing, when necessary | Because you were driving too fast | Approach at such a speed that you could stop safely if necessary. In this case, approach 5 - 8mph less, start braking 3 car lengths earlier |
| You didn’t stop at the crossing, when necessary | Because you didn’t see the pedestrians waiting to cross | Look actively and plan your drive. Predict what pedestrians are likely to do |
| You didn’t stop at the crossing, when necessary | Because you didn’t see it | Scan the road ahead and look for clues: amber flashing lights, traffic lights, groups of people waiting |
| You didn’t use your mirrors effectively on approach | Because although you looked in them you didn’t act on the information | Act according to the behaviour of following traffic; i.e. start your braking earlier, spread it over a longer distance, and so on |
| You overtook / you wanted to overtake on approach | Because you didn’t know the regulations | You must not, by law, overtake the moving motor vehicle nearest the crossing, or the vehicle (including cyclists) nearest the crossing which has stopped to give way to pedestrians |
| You overtook / you wanted to overtake on approach | Because you were unaware of the dangers | Don’t overtake within the zigzag area on approach to a crossing. Pedestrians will be put in danger |
| You rushed up to the crossing | Because you played ‘follow my leader’ over it | Hold back and let the vehicle ahead clear the crossing before deciding whether it’s safe to follow |
| You rushed up to the crossing | Because you wanted to beat the lights | Plan your approach so that you can stop smoothly and safely. Anticipate the lights changing and adjust speed as necessary |
| You rushed up to the crossing | Because you saw the crossing late | Scan the road ahead and look for clues that could announce a crossing: schools, stations, shopping centres and so on |
| You rushed up to the crossing | Because you thought you could stop safely within the distance | Start braking earlier, say, 3 car lengths, and approach at a lower speed, 5mph less. This allows yourself, and others, more time to react. |
| You rushed up to the crossing | Because you were unaware of the dangers | Approach at such a speed that you could stop safely. A heavy vehicle could crash into you from behind, shunting you onto the crossing with serious consequences |
| You stopped on the crossing | Because you didn’t plan ahead, you were just looking at the car in front | Look further ahead, say, 6 - 7 car lengths, and anticipate hold-ups |
| You waved the pedestrian(s) across | Because you thought it was helpful | Make eye contact with pedestrians waiting to cross -this lets them know you have seen them - but don’t signal them to cross. Let them make their own decisions |
| You waved the pedestrian(s) across | Because you didn’t know the dangers of doing so | Never wave pedestrians across. You could be putting them in danger. Other drivers / riders would not be aware of your actions and could crash into the pedestrian(s) |