Rule 212: How much room to give
Give motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders, horse drawn vehicles and pedestrians walking in the road (for example, where there is no pavement), at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car (see Rules 162 to 167). Drivers should take extra care and give more space when overtaking motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders, horse drawn vehicles and pedestrians in bad weather (including high winds) and at night. If the rider looks over their shoulder it could mean that they intend to pull out, turn right or change direction. Give them time and space to do so.
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
- Why should you allow extra room while overtaking a motorcyclist on a windy day? Vulnerable road users
- You’re about to overtake a cyclist on a road that has a 30 mph speed limit. How much room should you leave them as you overtake? Vulnerable road users
- What should you do if you overtake a cyclist when it's very windy? Other types of vehicle
- What requires extra care when you're driving or riding in windy conditions? Safety margins