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Cyclists and motorcyclists warning
Hazard Awareness
Reading the road, scanning, anticipation, weather and night driving.
Video lesson
Slideshow
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Slide 1
Moving Hazard – Motorcyclists
What To Do
Look carefully for motorcyclists, especially when:
- Emerging from a junction.
- Turning into a road on your right.
- Changing lanes.
- Pulling out to overtake.
Why?
Motorcycles are smaller and can be harder to spot than cars.
Key Message
Always perform effective mirror and blind-spot checks before moving.
What it means
Hazard awareness is spotting things that could make you change speed or direction — and reacting early.
Why it matters
Early anticipation gives you more time to plan. The earlier you see a hazard, the less you have to brake or swerve.
Common mistakes
- Looking only at the car directly in front.
- Not adjusting speed for weather, light or road surface.
- Assuming pedestrians will see you and stop.
Exam tips
- Scan far ahead, near, and check mirrors regularly.
- Watch for clues: brake lights down the line, parked vans (door opening?), ball rolling out (child?).
- On wet roads, double your stopping distance. On ice, it can be 10x longer.
Real driving examples
- You see a bus stopped ahead — anticipate pedestrians stepping out from behind it.
- A cyclist is approaching a parked car — they may swerve out, so leave room and slow down.
Key facts to memorise
- Stopping distance at 30 mph = 23 m; at 70 mph = 96 m (~24 car lengths).
- Wet roads = double stopping distance. Ice = up to 10× longer.
Test your knowledge
10 questions, instant feedback, scored to your dashboard.
Start Hazard Awareness quiz