Other Types of Vehicles – All Questions

In windy weather, watch out for motorcyclists and also cyclists, as they can be blown sideways into your path. When you pass them, leave plenty of room and check their position in your mirror before pulling back in

A long vehicle may need to swing out in the opposite direction as it approaches a turn, to allow the rear wheels to clear the kerb. Don’t try to filter through if you see a gap; as the lorry turns, the gap will close.

When a long vehicle is going to turn right, it may need to keep close to the left-hand kerb. This is to prevent the rear end of the trailer cutting the corner. You need to be aware of how long vehicles behave in such situations. Don’t overtake the lorry, because it could turn as you’re alongside. Stay behind and wait for it to turn.

At mini-roundabouts, there isn’t much room for a long vehicle to manoeuvre. It will have to swing out wide so that it can complete the turn safely. Keep well back and don’t try to move up alongside it.

People may be running to catch the bus or passengers leaving the bus might wish to cross the road in front of the bus. Look out for them if you intend to go past it. Consider how many people are waiting to get on the bus – check the queue if you can. The bus might move off straight away if no-one is waiting to get on.

If a bus is signalling to pull out, give it priority if it’s safe to do so.

Large vehicles can throw up a lot of spray when it’s wet. This makes it difficult for drivers behind to see the road ahead. You’ll be able to see more by dropping back further, out of the spray. This will also increase your separation distance, giving you more room to stop if you have to.

Try to give way to buses if you can do so safely, especially when the driver signals to pull away from a bus stop. Look out for people getting off the bus or running to catch it, because they may cross the road without looking. Don’t accelerate to get past the bus, and don’t flash your lights, as this could mislead other road users.

When you’re following a long vehicle, stay well back so that you can get a better view of the road ahead. The closer you get, the less you’ll be able to see of the road. Be patient and don’t take a gamble. Only overtake when you’re certain that you can complete the manoeuvre safely.

When turning, long vehicles need much more room on the road than other vehicles. At junctions, they may take up the whole of the road space, so be patient and allow them the room they need.

Hold back and wait until the vehicle has turned before proceeding. Don’t overtake, because the vehicle turning left could hide another vehicle emerging from the same junction.

Windy weather affects motorcyclists more than other vehicles. In windy conditions, high-sided vehicles cause air turbulence. You should keep well back, as the motorcyclist could be blown off course.

Cyclists, and motorcyclists, are very vulnerable in high winds. They can easily be blown well off course and veer into your path. Always allow plenty of room when overtaking them. Passing too close could cause a draught and unbalance the rider.