← General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders
Rule 151: In slow-moving traffic
Advice, not law
General advice (rules 144 to 158)
In slow-moving traffic. You should
- reduce the distance between you and the vehicle ahead to maintain traffic flow
- never get so close to the vehicle in front that you cannot stop safely
- leave enough space to be able to manoeuvre if the vehicle in front breaks down or an emergency vehicle needs to get past
- not change lanes to the left to overtake
- allow access into and from side roads, as blocking these will add to congestion
- allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross in front of you
- be aware of cyclists and motorcyclists who may be passing on either side.
Advice, not law. This rule is not written in capitals, so breaking it is not an offence in itself — but it can still be used in evidence in court to establish liability. The rules that say MUST or MUST NOT are the ones backed by law.
5 theory test questions on this rule
From the DVSA revision question bank. These are not the questions asked in the real theory test. Each one shows the answer, the explanation, and our own note on why every other option is not it.
Car
Lorry & Bus (LGV/PCV)
- What should you do while you're driving a bus in a built-up area? The driver
- You're driving at 50 mph (80 km/h) on a dry, level road. What gap should you leave between your vehicle and the one in front? The road
- You wish to turn left into a side road. What should you do if there's a cyclist in front as you approach the junction? Other road users