Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to update driving theory tests to include greater awareness of (a) horses as flight animals and (b) the risks associated with passing horses too (i) quickly and (ii) closely.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) keeps the driving theory test under continuous review. Both the multiplechoice and hazard perception elements already assess safe driving around vulnerable road users, including horse riders and horsedrawn vehicles.

Following updates to The Highway Code in 2022, candidates are required to understand the strengthened guidance on passing horses, to slow to a maximum of 10 mph and leave at least 2 metres where possible, this is reflected in DVSA’s official learning resources and the test itself. The hazard perception test includes computergenerated clips featuring horses to promote early recognition of developing hazards. There is also guidance available in The DVSA Official Guide to Driving; the essential skills, regarding the risk of horses as flight animals.

DVSA will continue to refresh theory test materials in line with the Highway Code and emerging evidence on keeping all road users safe.