Pedestrians: practice questions

Correct answer: Slow down and stop to let them cross

At a marked crossing, pedestrians have priority. Slow down on approach and stop to let waiting pedestrians cross safely.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, pedestrian crossings (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: True

Children near schools can step out suddenly and misjudge traffic. Reduce speed, stay alert and be ready to stop, especially at drop-off and pick-up times.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, school zones (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Stop and wait until the signals stop and it is safe

When a school bus shows its flashing stop signals, children may be crossing around it. Stop and wait until the signals are off and you can see it is safe before moving on.

Reference: UAE Government portal — road safety, school bus stop signal (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Give way and let them finish crossing

Pedestrians crossing the road you are turning into have priority. Wait and let them complete their crossing safely before you make the turn.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, pedestrian priority when turning (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: They may move slowly or unpredictably and need more time

Older people and people with disabilities may cross slowly, hesitate or not see or hear you well. Give them extra time and space, and never pressure them to hurry.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, vulnerable pedestrians (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: True

Overtaking near a crossing hides pedestrians and can carry you into their path at speed. Hold back, stay in lane and be ready to stop for anyone crossing.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, overtaking at crossings (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Pedestrians, especially children, stepping out between the cars

Parked vehicles can hide pedestrians, particularly small children, who may step into the road between them. Slow down and look for movement and feet beneath the cars.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, hidden pedestrians (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Leave a wide gap and pass slowly

Cyclists can wobble or swerve to avoid potholes or debris. Give them plenty of room when passing and slow down, returning only when you are well clear of them.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, passing cyclists (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: True

Being in a hurry never removes a pedestrian's priority at a crossing. You must give way; failing to do so endangers lives and is a recorded offence.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, pedestrian priority (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Reduce speed and scan the road edges and crossings carefully

Pedestrians in dark clothing are very hard to spot at night. Slow down, use your lights well and watch the verges and crossings so you can react in time.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, pedestrians at night (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Brake smoothly and be ready to stop

A pedestrian appearing in your path is an emergency. Brake in a controlled way and prepare to stop; protecting the pedestrian comes first, but avoid violent swerving that could cause another crash.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, reacting to pedestrians (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: True

Driving fast through standing water near pedestrians can soak them and is inconsiderate, careless driving. Slow down near puddles where people are walking.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, consideration for pedestrians (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: People, including children, move between cars and may not expect traffic

In residential and parking areas, people walk to and from cars and homes, children play, and a pedestrian can appear without warning. Drive slowly and stay alert in these spaces.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, residential pedestrian risk (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Slow down and be ready to give way to people crossing

The sign warns a crossing is ahead. Ease off your speed and be ready to stop for pedestrians who may be about to cross, even if none are visible yet.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, crossing warning signs (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: True

A pedestrian may be distracted, on a phone or simply not looking. Drive as if they might step out at any moment and keep enough margin to stop safely.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, anticipating pedestrians (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Might step into the road without checking, so be ready to stop

A distracted pedestrian may step out without looking up. Anticipate the worst case, cover the brake and reduce speed so you can stop if they suddenly move into the road.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, distracted pedestrians (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Treat cyclists as legitimate road users and give them space

Cyclists have a right to use the road. Anticipate their movements, give them generous clearance when passing and never crowd or intimidate them; they are far more vulnerable than a car.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, sharing roads with cyclists (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: True

A car stopped on a crossing blocks the safe path and pushes pedestrians into the traffic lane. Always stop behind the line and keep the crossing clear.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, keep crossings clear (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Slow right down and expect many pedestrians crossing

Where crowds gather, people cross frequently and unpredictably, sometimes away from marked crossings. Reduce speed sharply and be patient, giving way generously to pedestrians.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, crowded areas (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Still try to avoid a collision and protect the pedestrian

Even when a pedestrian crosses where they should not, you must still do everything reasonable to avoid hitting them. Slow down, be ready to stop and never deliberately endanger anyone.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, avoiding collisions with pedestrians (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: True

Footbridges and underpasses keep pedestrians off high-speed roads. As a driver, still stay alert because some people may try to cross at road level instead, especially where bridges are far apart.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, footbridges and underpasses (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Run out between vehicles into the road

Children often dash out from between parked or stopped cars without checking. Around schools, crawl along, watch the gaps between vehicles and be ready to stop instantly.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, children near schools (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: True

Lower speed near pedestrians shortens your stopping distance and, if the worst happens, greatly reduces the severity of injury. Slow speed is the single best protection for people on foot.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, speed and pedestrian safety (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Cannot see traffic well and need extra care and time

A white cane or guide dog shows the pedestrian has a visual impairment. Be especially patient: stop early, do not rev or honk, and give them all the time they need to cross.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, blind pedestrians (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: True

As you move off, a pedestrian, child or cyclist may be crossing the pavement in front of you. Check carefully in both directions, especially for small children, before you pull out.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, moving off near pedestrians (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Slow well down and be ready to stop for the child

A young child can outrun an adult's reach and may dash into the road. Treat this as a high-risk situation: slow right down and be prepared to stop fully, not relying on the adult to catch them.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, children with adults (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Vulnerable people to slow down and give space to

Road workers stand close to moving traffic and may step out as they work. Obey reduced limits, move over where you can and give them a wide, slow pass.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, road workers (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: True

Not yielding to pedestrians at crossings or where they have priority endangers them and is a recorded offence carrying a fine and black points. Always give way as required.

Reference: UAE Government portal — new traffic laws and fines, pedestrian priority (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety/new-traffic-laws-and-fines, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Treat them as people who can be easily hurt and protect them

Pedestrians and cyclists have little protection in a crash, so the responsibility to avoid harm rests heavily with drivers. Anticipate their mistakes and always leave a safety margin.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, protecting vulnerable users (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Correct answer: Also stop, as pedestrians may be hidden by the stopped car

A stopped car may be hiding a pedestrian who is still crossing. Never overtake a vehicle that has stopped at a crossing; stop too and wait until you can see the way is clear.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, stopped vehicle at crossing (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)