Hit the Road

When you feel confident in your scooter skills, we’ll help you take that confidence out onto the road. We’ll teach you to scoot with self-assurance, so your rights as an equal road user are respected.

Before you start

Please take a look at our important riding info before starting the guide.

The four key points

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Awareness

Keep alert to what is ahead and what is behind. Glance back often, and don’t rely on hearing other road users – like you, they may be silent!

Positioning

Scoot in the primary position, in the middle of traffic, to avoid pedestrians stepping out, car doors opening, and traffic pulling out of side roads.

Positioning

Use the secondary position, to the left of the traffic stream, where the road is wide enough for drivers to pass you comfortably.

Positioning

Keep a good distance from the road user in front in case they stop suddenly. This will also lessen the amount of exhaust pollution you are exposed to.

Communication

Let other road users know your intentions in good time. Use the scooter’s indicators, and only signal by hand if you have to.

Priority

As a registered driving licence holder, you’ll know the rules of the road and who has priority in any situation. Use this knowledge to cooperate with other road users.

Quiz Time!

What are the four key points?

Junctions, roundabouts & traffic lights

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When scooting past side roads, remain in the primary position so drivers pulling out are able to see you clearly. Maintain a steady speed as part of the main road traffic.

Arrive at junctions in the middle of the lane so drivers will wait behind you rather than squeezing next to you. Stay in the middle of the lane as you turn.

If turning right from a major road into a side road, check and signal in good time. Join in the middle of the lane to prevent drivers overtaking you while you turn.

When changing lanes, move from the middle of one lane to the middle of the next lane to prevent drivers passing.

Approach roundabouts in the middle of the lane and stay centrally placed as you move around the roundabout. Make eye contact with emerging drivers.

Similarly, approach traffic light junctions in the middle of your lane. You are allowed to wait in the (green) Advanced Stop Box where cyclists can get ahead of the traffic.

Quiz Time!

When approaching junctions and roundabouts, where should you position yourself?

Filtering

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It’s often less risky to pass a traffic queue on the right as drivers are more likely to see you and less likely to open a door.

If filtering on the right, check for people crossing the road between high vehicles, and watch for drivers pulling through the traffic queue to turn right.

If the traffic begins moving while you are filtering to the right, indicate and make eye contact with a driver to move back into the traffic stream.

Be sure to allow enough room for oncoming traffic to pass.

If there’s room, you can filter to the left of the traffic. Just mind out for pedestrians stepping off the kerb, passengers exiting cars, and vehicles turning in front of you.

Quiz Time!

What should you do if traffic starts moving whilst you're filtering to the right?

Other road users

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Pedestrians

Pedestrians always have priority when crossing roads, especially at junctions. Give way to them, and watch out for youngsters who may dash out.

HGVs and buses

Avoid passing a high-sided vehicle on the left where blind spots exist. Make direct eye contact with their drivers, or through their mirrors.

Cyclists, motorcyclists, and scooter riders

This group may pass you on your left, so check before moving left. As well as signalling your intentions, feel free to speak to other riders about your plans too!

Quiz Time!

Who has priority when crossing roads?

Special lanes and roads

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Feel free to use cycle lanes, shared paths with pedestrians, and cycle-only contraflows. They’re not compulsory, so up to you!

You may scoot on bus lanes where a cycle symbol is displayed. Ride centrally in bus lanes so bus drivers give you room if wanting to overtake.

Roads closed to through traffic (such as Low Traffic Neighbourhoods) are open for use by walkers, scooter riders and cyclists.

Quiz Time!

When can you use bus lanes?

Part 3 Complete!

Fantastic work! You've made it through the entire course!

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