DVA report 20.0

Pedestrian Crossings on the Northern Ireland driving test

Crossings test whether you recognise vulnerable road users early and adjust speed before the situation becomes urgent.

What the examiner is assessing

You should recognise crossing types, approach under control and give pedestrians or cyclists the priority required by the crossing.

The category does not determine the grade by itself.A mistake can be recorded differently depending on the circumstances, repetition and level of risk. One serious or dangerous fault fails the test, while 16 or more driving faults also results in a fail.

Examples of weaknesses in this area

These examples are for understanding and practice; they are not a promise that a particular mistake will always receive a particular grade.

Arriving too quickly at a crossing and braking sharply for someone already crossing.

Failing to notice somebody waiting or moving into the crossing area.

How to improve before the next test

Scan pavements and crossing approaches rather than staring only at the road surface.
Practise identifying potential crossing users before they reach the kerb.

Turn the report into practice

Related practice guide

Work directly on the driving skill most closely connected to this report area.

Open practice guide →

Build an Improvement Plan

Add this category alongside the other marks from your report.

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Mock Practical Test

Track faults during a supervised practice drive.

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Other report categories

Reviewed against official Northern Ireland guidanceInformation checked 22 September 2026.

Official source ↗

Northern Ireland learner guide

Pedestrian Crossings — what to improve

Crossings test whether you recognise vulnerable road users early and adjust speed before the situation becomes urgent.

You should recognise crossing types, approach under control and give pedestrians or cyclists the priority required by the crossing.

Useful points to focus on

Scan pavements and crossing approaches rather than staring only at the road surface.
Practise identifying potential crossing users before they reach the kerb.