Cyclists and motorcyclists: Highway Code rules 211 to 213

Test yourself · 4

Four questions on cyclists and motorcyclists

Question 1 of 4

1. You are turning right across a queue of stopped traffic. What should you look out for?

   • A Only vehicles reversing
   • B Only parked cars
   • C Cyclists and motorcyclists on the inside of the queue Right
   • D Nothing, the queue has stopped

   The right answer is C: Cyclists and motorcyclists on the inside of the queue

   WhyWhen turning right across slow-moving or stationary traffic, look out for and give way to cyclists or motorcyclists on the inside of the traffic you are crossing.

   Source: The Highway Code, rule 211

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2. You are following a motorcyclist on a road with drain covers and oily patches. Why might the rider suddenly change direction?

   • A To test their brakes are working
   • B To let you overtake them safely
   • C To avoid the poor road surface Right
   • D To read a direction road sign

   The right answer is C: To avoid the poor road surface

   WhyRiders may suddenly avoid drain covers and oily, wet or icy patches.

   Source: The Highway Code, rule 213

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3. A cyclist in the left-hand lane is signalling right as they go round the roundabout. What does that tell you?

   • A They are leaving at the next exit
   • B They are continuing round the roundabout Right
   • C They want you to overtake them
   • D They are turning back

   The right answer is B: They are continuing round the roundabout

   WhyCyclists, horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles may stay in the left-hand lane to continue around, and should signal right to show they are not leaving.

   Source: The Highway Code, rule 186

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4. You want to turn left, and a cyclist is going straight ahead alongside you. Turning now would make them brake. What should you do?

   • A Turn, as long as you signal
   • B Move closer to the kerb first
   • C Expect the cyclist to stop
   • D Wait and let the cyclist go ahead Right

   The right answer is D: Wait and let the cyclist go ahead

   WhyDo not turn at a junction if it would make a cyclist going straight ahead stop or swerve. Stop and wait for a safe gap.

   Source: The Highway Code, rule H3

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The rule in plain words

Look for them (rule 211). Bikes are hard to see when they wait beside you, come up from behind, leave a junction, go round a roundabout, overtake you or filter through traffic. They may be coming faster than you think. In the Highway Code’s words: “Always look out for them before you emerge from a junction”.

Do not cut across them (rules 211 and H3). Do not turn if a cyclist going straight on would have to stop or swerve. When you turn right across a line of slow or stopped traffic, look for cyclists or motorcyclists riding up the inside of that queue and give way to them.

Give them room (rules 212 and 213). Give them at least as much room as a car when you overtake, and more in bad weather, strong wind and at night. A rider looking over their shoulder may be about to pull out or turn. Cyclists may ride in the middle of the lane on narrow roads, quiet streets, at junctions and in slow traffic, and groups may ride two abreast. Riders may also swerve suddenly round uneven surfaces, drain covers or oily, wet or icy patches.

What rules 211 to 213 say

What it means in practice

Turning right across a stopped queue

A driver in the queue leaves a gap and waves you through. Before you go, look along the inside of the queue: a cyclist or motorcyclist may be riding up it, hidden by the stopped cars. Give way to them, as rule 211 says.

A cyclist in the left lane of a roundabout signalling right

They are staying on the roundabout, not leaving at the next exit (rule 186). Do not cut across them.

Opening your door after parking

Look in your mirror and over your shoulder for cyclists first. Rule 239 suggests opening the door with the hand on the opposite side, for example your left hand for a door on your right, so you turn and look.

Common mistakes

• Pulling out because the road looks clear. A bike is easy to miss. Look again.
• Overtaking a cyclist and then turning left across them. Stay behind and turn after they have passed.
• Expecting cyclists to use the cycle lane. They do not have to (rule 140).
• Getting annoyed at a cyclist in the middle of the lane. Rule 213 allows it where it is safer for them.
• Opening your door without looking. You must make sure you do not hit anyone (rule 239).

Questions about cyclists and motorcyclists

Can cyclists ride in the middle of the lane?

Yes, on narrow roads, quiet roads or streets, at junctions and in slower traffic, so they can see and be seen. Source: rule 213.

Do cyclists have to use cycle lanes?

No. The Highway Code says cyclists are not obliged to use cycle lanes or cycle tracks. Source: rule 140.

Can you drive in a cycle lane?

You must not drive or park in a cycle lane marked with a solid white line during its hours of operation. Do not drive or park in one with a broken line unless you cannot avoid it. Source: rule 140.

How should you open your car door?

Check for cyclists and other traffic by looking all around and using your mirrors. Where you can, open the door with the hand on the opposite side, so you turn to look over your shoulder. Source: rule 239.

Read next

• Vulnerable road users theory test questions
• The hierarchy of road users: rules H1 to H3
• Rule 163: how much space to give cyclists, horses and walkers
• Cycle route ahead sign

Sources

(3)

1. The Highway Code: motorcyclists and cyclists (rules 211 to 213), GOV.UK. Checked 4 November 2026.
2. The Highway Code, rule 140 (cycle lanes and cycle tracks), GOV.UK. Checked 4 November 2026.
3. The Highway Code, rule 239 (parking and opening doors), GOV.UK. Checked 4 November 2026.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Quotes from The Highway Code and the sign image are Crown copyright. Sources and image credits.