On 29 January 2022 a wide set of changes was made to the Highway Code after a consultation that ran from July to October 2020 and drew more than 20,000 responses. The changes affect many questions in the theory test, because the code is its main source.
Key facts
- What New rules H1 to H3 and changes across the code
- From 29 January 2022
- Where England, Scotland and Wales
- Passing cyclists At least 1.5 metres at up to 30 mph
The main changes
- Hierarchy of road users: three new rules, H1 to H3, place those most at risk in a collision, such as people walking, cycling and riding horses, at the top. Everyone must still behave responsibly.
- Junctions: traffic should give way to people crossing or waiting to cross a road you are turning into, and drivers must give way to people on zebra crossings and on parallel crossings, which add a cycle route alongside the stripes.
- Passing distances: leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking people cycling at up to 30 mph, and more at higher speeds; pass horse riders at under 10 mph with at least 2 metres; leave at least 2 metres for people walking in the road.
- Double white lines: you may cross them, if the road is clear, to pass someone cycling or riding a horse at 10 mph or less.
- Cyclists: guidance on riding in the centre of the lane in some situations, riding two abreast, and priority when going straight ahead at junctions and on roundabouts.
- Leaving your car: open the door with the hand on the opposite side, so you turn to look behind you.
What this means
Revise from the current online Highway Code, not a copy printed before 2022. Learn rules H1 to H3 and the passing distances by heart, and practise questions on junctions, roundabouts and vulnerable road users, which draw on these rules. The Introduction holds the hierarchy rules, and rule 163 sets out the overtaking distances.