Pedestrian Crossings Tutorial


There are three main types of pedestrian crossing:

Puffin Crossings

Pedestrian User Friendly Crossings have automatic sensors, which detect when pedestrians wish to cross and delay the green light until they have safely reached the other side. The light sequence is the same as a normal traffic light with no flashing amber stage. Sensors track the pedestrians as they cross the road so that the lights only change to green when the crossing is clear, hence why no flashing amber stage is necessary.

Toucan Crossings

These can also be used by cyclists who have the right to ride across them without dismounting. Again there is no flashing amber stage. They use a normal traffic light sequence. They are named toucan because two can cross at the same time. You will find them where the footpath and cycle lane cross a road.

School Crossings

These are controlled by lollipop men and women. They are temporary crossings that help school children and their parents cross the road safely. The may be preceded by a warning sign and/or a twin flashing light beacon which will operate at the beginning and end of the school day.

If the lollipop man/woman is standing at the kerb with the lollipop raised, traffic must stop and allow them to take up a position in the road. When they return to the side of the road and lower the sign, traffic can then proceed forward.

At pedestrian crossings, the examiner on your driving test will expect you to:

The examiner will also be looking to see that you:

Key Signs

School Crossing Ahead

School crossing patrol ahead

Zebra Crossing

Zebra Crossing

School Crossing Patrol School Crossing patrol

Next - Level Crossings