1. Zebra Crossing

A Zebra Crossing is a pedestrian crossing marked by black-and-white stripes on the road, with flashing amber Belisha beacons on both sides. It is designed to give pedestrians priority over vehicles.

Key features:

1. Black-and-white road stripes.
2. Flashing amber Belisha beacons on poles.
3. No traffic lights – drivers must rely on observations.

Where Do You Find Zebra Crossings?

1. Near schools and residential areas – High foot traffic zones.
2. Shopping streets and high streets – Where people frequently cross.
3. Near train stations, bus stops, or parks – To ensure safe pedestrian movement.
4. Smaller roads and junctions – Where traffic lights aren’t necessary.

Rules & Responsibilities for Drivers

1. When Approaching a Zebra Crossing:
   • Slow down and be ready to stop if pedestrians are near.
   • Check both sides of the crossing for waiting pedestrians.
   • Be extra cautious at night, in bad weather, or near schools.
   • Do not overtake another car that has stopped at a Zebra Crossing – there may be a pedestrian crossing in front of them.
2. When Pedestrians Are Crossing:
   • If a pedestrian has stepped onto the crossing, you must stop and give way.
   • Do not inch forward or rush them. Wait until they have crossed safely.
   • Do not wave them across – they should decide when it’s safe to cross.
3. After the Pedestrian Has Crossed:
   • Wait until they have fully crossed before moving.
   • Check for any late pedestrians before driving off.

Types of Zebra Crossings in the UK

1. Standard Zebra Crossing – Regular pedestrian-only crossing.
2. Parallel Crossing – A combined Zebra and cycle crossing, allowing both pedestrians and cyclists to cross.

Mistakes That Can Fail Your Driving Test

1. Not stopping when a pedestrian is waiting to cross.
2. Stopping too late or too suddenly – Approach gradually.
3. Driving off too soon before the pedestrian has fully crossed.
4. Blocking the crossing – Leave enough space before stopping.
5. Overtaking near a Zebra Crossing.

Tips for the Driving Test

1. Observation is key: Look ahead to spot crossings early.
2. Mirror checks: Always check mirrors before slowing down.
3. Anticipation: Watch for children, elderly, or distracted pedestrians.
4. Drive smoothly: Avoid sudden braking or hesitation.

2. Pelican Crossing

A Pelican Crossing is a pedestrian-controlled crossing where traffic lights manage vehicle and pedestrian movement. Understanding Pelican Crossings is essential for new drivers, as mistakes at crossings are a common reason for failing the driving test.

Where Do You Find Pelican Crossings?

Pelican Crossings are installed in locations where high pedestrian traffic requires controlled crossing points.

1. Busy urban roads – Where pedestrian crossings need regulation.
2. Near schools and shopping areas – To ensure pedestrian safety.
3. Major junctions and dual carriageways – Where higher traffic volumes require light control.
4. Near railway stations, hospitals, and bus stations – Places with frequent pedestrian movement.

Rules & Responsibilities for Drivers

As a responsible driver, you must follow these rules to ensure pedestrian safety.

1. When Approaching a Pelican Crossing:
   • Look out for pedestrian waiting areas and traffic light signals.
   • Amber traffic light flashing? You must give way to pedestrians.
   • If the light is green, proceed with caution and be ready to stop if needed.
   • If a pedestrian is waiting but the light is still green, continue driving—they must wait for the signal.
2. When Pedestrians Are Crossing:
   • Red light = Stop – Never drive through a red light.
   • Flashing amber light = Give way to pedestrians still crossing.
   • If pedestrians have finished crossing and the road is clear, you may proceed on a flashing amber light.
3. After the Pedestrian Has Crossed:
   • Once the road is clear and the light turns green, continue driving safely.

Mistakes That Can Fail Your Driving Test

1. Driving through a red light – This is a serious fault.
2. Not stopping when the amber light is flashing and pedestrians are crossing.
3. Stopping unnecessarily when the road is clear during the flashing amber phase.
4. Not anticipating pedestrians stepping onto the crossing late.

Tips for the Driving Test

1. Observe early: Spot the crossing ahead and adjust speed accordingly.
2. Check mirrors before braking: This prevents sudden stops that could be dangerous.
3. Anticipate pedestrian behavior: Some may cross late—stay alert.
4. Understand the flashing amber phase: Be patient and ensure all pedestrians have crossed before moving.
5. Do not rush when the light turns green: Check for last-minute pedestrians before proceeding.

3. Puffin Crossing

A Puffin Crossing (Pedestrian User-Friendly Intelligent Crossing) is an upgraded version of a Pelican Crossing with smart sensors that detect pedestrians. Understanding Puffin Crossings is crucial for new drivers, as failing to follow the rules can result in penalty points or a failed driving test.

Where Do You Find Puffin Crossings?

Puffin Crossings are commonly found in high pedestrian traffic areas where smart control is needed to improve safety.

1. Urban areas and city centers – To improve pedestrian flow.
2. Near schools and colleges – Ensuring children cross safely.
3. Near hospitals and care homes – Beneficial for elderly and disabled pedestrians.
4. Busy shopping streets and railway stations – Preventing unnecessary delays for traffic.

Unlike Pelican Crossings, Puffin Crossings do not have a flashing amber light. Instead, sensors detect when pedestrians have fully crossed before changing the light.

Rules & Responsibilities for Drivers

1. When Approaching a Puffin Crossing:
   • Observe the traffic lights – Puffin Crossings use standard red, amber, and green signals.
   • Look for pedestrians waiting – The system detects them automatically.
   • Do not assume lights will change quickly – The sensors extend red light duration if someone is crossing slowly.
   • Check mirrors before slowing down – Prevents sudden braking.
2. When Pedestrians Are Crossing:
   • Red light = Stop completely – Do not inch forward.
   • Unlike a Pelican Crossing, there is no flashing amber phase – Wait for a green light.
   • Be patient with slow walkers – The system keeps the red light active if they are still on the crossing.
3. After the Pedestrian Has Crossed:
   • The traffic light will turn green automatically once the crossing is clear.
   • Do not move early – Wait for the green signal.

Mistakes That Can Fail Your Driving Test

1. Driving through a red light – This is an instant fail.
2. Moving before the light turns green – Puffin Crossings do not have a flashing amber phase like Pelican Crossings.
3. Failing to anticipate pedestrians stepping onto the crossing late – Always be prepared to stop.
4. Braking too suddenly without checking mirrors – Can be marked as a serious fault.
5. Assuming the light will change quickly – The crossing adapts based on pedestrian movement.

Tips for the Driving Test

1. Look ahead for the crossing early – Be prepared to slow down.
2. Check mirrors before slowing down – Avoid sudden braking.
3. Understand the system – No flashing amber means wait for green.
4. Be patient – Sensors might keep the light red longer for slow pedestrians.
5. Never assume the lights will change at a set time – The system adapts based on pedestrian movement.

4. Toucan Crossing

A Toucan Crossing (Two-Can Cross) is a pedestrian and cyclist-controlled crossing that allows both pedestrians and cyclists to cross at the same time. It is different from other crossings because cyclists do not have to dismount before crossing.

Understanding Toucan Crossings is crucial for learner drivers as they operate similarly to Puffin Crossings, but you must be aware of both pedestrians and cyclists.

Where Do You Find Toucan Crossings?

1. Near parks and cycle paths – To allow cyclists to cross safely.
2. On roads with designated cycle lanes – Providing a safe crossing point.
3. At junctions and roundabouts – Where pedestrian and cycle traffic is high.
4. Near schools and universities – To accommodate students traveling by bike.

Unlike Pelican Crossings, Toucan Crossings do not have a flashing amber phase.They use sensors to detect pedestrians and cyclists, just like Puffin Crossings.

Rules & Responsibilities for Drivers

1. When Approaching a Toucan Crossing:
   • Look for pedestrians AND cyclists waiting – Both can use the crossing at the same time.
   • Check traffic lights – Standard red, amber, and green signals control movement.
   • Be aware of cyclists moving quickly – They may enter the crossing at speed.
   • Check mirrors before slowing down – Prevents sudden braking.
2. When Pedestrians and Cyclists Are Crossing:
   • Red light = Stop completely – Do not inch forward.
   • Unlike a Pelican Crossing, there is no flashing amber phase – Wait for a green light.
   • Be patient with slow pedestrians and cyclists – The system keeps the red light active if they are still on the crossing.
3. After Pedestrians and Cyclists Have Crossed:
   • The traffic light will turn green automatically once the crossing is clear.
   • Do not move early – Wait for the green signal.

Mistakes That Can Fail Your Driving Test

1. Driving through a red light – This is an instant fail.
2. Moving before the light turns green – Toucan Crossings do not have a flashing amber phase like Pelican Crossings.
3. Failing to check for cyclists approaching fast – Always check both sides of the crossing.
4. Braking too suddenly without checking mirrors – Can be marked as a serious fault.
5. Assuming the light will change quickly – Sensors adjust timing based on pedestrians and cyclists.

Tips for the Driving Test

1. Look ahead for the crossing early – Be prepared to slow down.
2. Check mirrors before slowing down – Avoid sudden braking.
3. Watch for fast-moving cyclists – They may enter the crossing late.
4. Understand the system – No flashing amber means wait for green.
5. Be patient – Sensors might keep the light red longer for slow pedestrians and cyclists.
6. Never assume the lights will change at a set time – The system adapts based on movement.

5. Pegasus Crossing

A Pegasus Crossing is a special type of pedestrian crossing designed for horse riders. It is similar to a Toucan Crossing (which allows cyclists), but it includes an extra set of buttons positioned higher up so that riders can press them without dismounting.

Since horses can be easily startled, learner drivers must understand how to approach and stop safely at these crossings.

Where Do You Find Pegasus Crossings?

1. Near horse-riding schools and stables – To provide safe road crossings for riders.
2. On roads near bridleways and rural paths – Where horse riders frequently travel.
3. Near racecourses or equestrian centers – To allow horses to cross busy roads safely.

Rules & Responsibilities for Drivers

1. When Approaching a Pegasus Crossing:
   • Look for horses and riders waiting – They may be in the fenced area.
   • Slow down earlier than usual – Horses may react unpredictably to vehicles.
   • Keep engine noise low – Sudden revving or honking could startle a horse.
   • Check traffic lights carefully – Follow red, amber, and green signals.
2. When Pedestrians and Riders Are Crossing:
   • Stop completely at a red light – Do not creep forward.
   • Be patient – Horses may take longer to cross than pedestrians.
   • Avoid loud noises – No revving, horn use, or sudden acceleration.
3. After the Horse and Rider Have Crossed:
   • The traffic light will turn green automatically once the crossing is clear.
   • Do not move early – Wait for the green signal.
   • Accelerate smoothly – Avoid sudden movements that might frighten horses.

Mistakes That Can Fail Your Driving Test

1. Driving through a red light – This is an instant fail.
2. Moving before the light turns green – Pegasus Crossings do not have a flashing amber phase.
3. Failing to slow down properly – Horses may react badly to sudden braking.
4. Revving the engine or honking – This could frighten a horse, leading to a dangerous situation.
5. Not checking for riders approaching late – Some might reach the crossing just before the light changes.

Tips for the Driving Test

1. Look ahead for the crossing early – Be prepared to slow down.
2. Check mirrors before slowing down – Prevents sudden braking.
3. Watch for approaching horses – Riders may reach the crossing just as the light is changing.
4. Be extra cautious in rural areas – Horse riders may be harder to spot.
5. Never assume the lights will change at a set time – The system adapts based on movement.
6. Stay quiet and patient – Horses are easily startled by noise.

6. Parallel Crossing

A Parallel Crossing is similar to a Zebra Crossing but includes a dedicated cycle lane running alongside the pedestrian crossing. This means that both pedestrians and cyclists have priority over vehicles.

Understanding Parallel Crossings is essential for learner drivers because failing to give way can result in serious faults in the driving test.

Where Do You Find Parallel Crossings?

1. Near parks and shared cycle paths – Allowing cyclists to cross safely.
2. On roads with designated cycle lanes – Providing safe passage across busy streets.
3. In residential areas – Where pedestrians and cyclists frequently cross.
4. Near schools and universities – To accommodate students walking and cycling.

Key Features of a Parallel Crossing:

1. Looks like a Zebra Crossing but includes a separate cycle lane.
2. No traffic lights – Drivers must stop when pedestrians or cyclists are crossing.
3. Marked with white stripes on the road – Like a standard Zebra Crossing.

Rules & Responsibilities for Drivers

1. When Approaching a Parallel Crossing:
   • Look for pedestrians AND cyclists waiting – Both have priority.
   • Slow down early – Prepare to stop if anyone is near the crossing.
   • Check mirrors before slowing down – To avoid sudden braking.
   • Do not block the cycle lane – Cyclists need space to cross safely.
2. When Pedestrians and Cyclists Are Crossing:
   • Stop completely if someone is crossing – Failing to do so is a serious fault.
   • Watch for cyclists approaching quickly – They may enter the crossing at speed.
   • Do not overtake on the crossing – Wait until it is completely clear.
   • Be patient with slower pedestrians – Give them time to cross safely.
3. After Pedestrians and Cyclists Have Crossed:
   • Move only when the crossing is clear – Do not assume someone won’t step out.
   • Accelerate smoothly – Avoid sudden movements that could startle pedestrians or cyclists.

Mistakes That Can Fail Your Driving Test

1. Not stopping for a pedestrian or cyclist on the crossing – This is a major fault.
2. Stopping too late or too suddenly – Check mirrors and slow down gradually.
3. Blocking the cycle lane – Cyclists need clear access to cross.
4. Failing to check for cyclists approaching quickly – They might enter the crossing at speed.
5. Moving before the crossing is fully clear – You must wait until both pedestrians and cyclists have finished crossing.

Tips for the Driving Test

1. Scan for both pedestrians and cyclists – Parallel Crossings allow both to cross at the same time.
2. Check mirrors before slowing down – Prevents sudden braking faults.
3. Be extra cautious in busy areas – Cyclists may approach quickly.
4. Do not assume people will wait – Pedestrians and cyclists have priority.
5. Give enough stopping distance – Hard braking can be dangerous and lead to test faults.