During the driving test, the routes will almost always include different types of pedestrian crossings. Examiners have strict standards around how you approach and respond to pedestrians, and many tests are failed for mistakes at crossings.

Knowing the correct rules from a driver’s point of view is essential if you want to pass the UK practical driving test and stay safe afterwards.

Types of Pedestrian Crossings

Listed below are the most common types of pedestrian crossing found on UK roads. Many of these are likely to appear on your driving test. Each type has its own rules and timings that you must understand as a driver.

Pelican Crossing

Introduced in 1969, the Pelican Crossing was the first successful light-controlled pedestrian crossing on UK roads.

Pelicans use a special flashing amber phase:
A flashing amber light on a Pelican Crossing allows drivers to proceed only if the crossing is clear.

This helps reduce waiting times for traffic but can confuse some drivers, which increases risk for pedestrians.

As a driver you must:
– Stop on steady red
– Be prepared to move on flashing amber if the crossing is fully clear
– Always check carefully for late pedestrians

The Pelican Crossing guide explains how to approach these crossings safely and how to deal with people still walking as the lights change.

Puffin Crossing

Puffin Crossings (introduced in the 1990s) are the most advanced common type of crossing.

They still use a push-button, but have sensors that:
– Detect pedestrians waiting
– Detect people crossing the road

If no one is detected, the lights return to normal sooner, which keeps traffic moving.

Unlike Pelicans, Puffins do not use a flashing amber phase. The timing is adjusted by the sensors instead. The Puffin Crossing guide explains how they differ from Pelicans and how to approach them on test routes.

Toucan Crossing

Toucan Crossings are designed for both pedestrians and cyclists to cross at the same time, using separate entrance, crossing and exit areas.

Key features:
– Wider layout to fit both cyclists and pedestrians
– Often placed on busy routes with many people cycling and walking
– Can use either Pelican-style timing or Puffin-style sensors

The name “Toucan” comes from “two can” cross together – pedestrians and cyclists.

Equestrian Crossing

Equestrian Crossings (also known as Pegasus Crossings) are designed for:
– Pedestrians
– Dismounted horse riders
– Mounted horse riders

There are two control panels:
– A standard lower button for pedestrians
– A higher button (around 2 metres) for mounted riders

The crossings are usually wider to allow for horses and people to cross safely side by side.

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