Cyclists on Sevenoaks roads
The hills and country lanes around Sevenoaks attract many cyclists, especially at certain times of day and at weekends; Sunday group rides are common. Geoff Newman says overtaking cyclists safely, legally and confidently is something that catches quite a lot of candidates out.[1][2]
Passing distances
Changes to the Highway Code on 29 January 2022 set clearer minimum gaps:[3]
| Road user | Minimum gap | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Cyclists | 1.5 m | At up to 30 mph; more at higher speeds |
| Horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles | 2 m | Pass at under 10 mph |
| Pedestrians walking in the road | 2 m | Low speed |
If the gap cannot be given safely, drivers should wait behind until it can. The same changes introduced a hierarchy of road users, placing those most at risk in a collision at the top.[3]
On test
Newman's "Am I test-ready?" checklist includes overtaking cyclists with at least 1.5 metres, and he lists not giving cyclists enough room among the signs of overconfidence in experienced drivers from overseas.[1] Weekend tests in Sevenoaks are likely to meet more cyclists than weekday ones.[2]
Opening the door
The 2022 changes also recommend the "Dutch reach": opening a car door with the hand on the opposite side, which turns the head to check for cyclists approaching from behind.[3]
References
- Newman, Geoff (2026). Sevenoaks Driving Test Secrets, chapters 2 and 24 and Appendix C.
- "Passing your theory and practical driving test in Sevenoaks". Sevenoaks Driving Lessons.
- "The Highway Code: 8 changes you need to know from 29 January 2022". GOV.UK.