Rules of the Road
Highway Code 2022 Changes: What Every Driver Needs to Know
The biggest update to the Highway Code in years — new hierarchy of road users, updated junction rules for pedestrians, and what changed for mobile phone use.
5 min read
Why This Update Matters
On 29 January 2022, the Highway Code was updated with the most significant changes in many years. Three entirely new rules — H1, H2, and H3 — were added to establish a clearer hierarchy of who has priority on the road. Several existing rules were updated to reflect modern road use, and mobile phone law was significantly tightened in March of the same year.
As a learner driver, you are tested on the current Highway Code — not the version from a few years ago. Many revision resources and guides are still using pre-2022 information. This matters most at junctions, where the rules about who gives way to whom changed substantially.
DVSA theory test questions now reflect the 2022 changes. If you are revising from older printed materials or unofficial apps, check that the content is up to date.
Rule H1: The Hierarchy of Road Users
A new overarching principle was added at the start of the Highway Code. It establishes that those who can do the most harm — drivers of heavier, faster vehicles — bear the greatest responsibility to protect those who are most vulnerable.
Hierarchy (most vulnerable at top)
This hierarchy determines responsibility, not legal right of way in every situation. It means drivers of cars and larger vehicles must actively consider the vulnerability of pedestrians and cyclists — not just technically follow the specific rules.
Rule H2: Pedestrians at Junctions
Rule H2 — New in 2022
Give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross at a junction
Before
The previous rules were ambiguous about who had priority when a pedestrian was waiting to cross a road at a junction while a vehicle was turning into that road.
Now
Drivers, motorcyclists, horse riders, and cyclists MUST give way to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross a road that they are turning into. This applies whether or not a formal crossing is marked. A pedestrian at the kerb waiting to cross has priority over a turning vehicle.
This change affects how you should approach left and right turns at junctions. Before turning, check for pedestrians on the road you are turning into — not just the road you are leaving. This is now a legal requirement, not a courtesy.
Rule H3: Cyclists and Horse Riders at Junctions
Rule H3 — New in 2022
Do not cut across cyclists or horse riders going straight ahead
Before
Cyclists proceeding straight through a junction alongside turning vehicles operated in a grey area — there was no explicit rule preventing vehicles from cutting across their path.
Now
Drivers and motorcyclists MUST NOT turn at a junction if doing so would cut across the path of a cyclist or horse rider going straight ahead. This applies whether or not the cyclist is in a designated cycle lane, and at both signalled and unsignalled junctions.
In practice: if you are turning left and a cyclist is alongside you heading straight on, you must wait and give way. If you are turning right and a cyclist is coming in the opposite direction going straight on, they have priority and you must not cross their path.
Updated Passing Distances
Rule 163 — Updated
Passing cyclists
Rule
Leave at least 1.5 metres when passing cyclists at speeds up to 30 mph. At higher speeds, leave more space. Slow down if you cannot pass with sufficient clearance. Do not pass closely at speed.
Rule 215 — Updated
Passing horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles
Rule
Pass wide and slowly — leave at least 2 metres of space and keep to a low speed (10 mph is often cited as a guide). Do not rev the engine or accelerate sharply near horses. Be prepared to stop if the horse is startled.
Updated Cycling Rules
Rule 66 — Updated
Cyclists may ride two abreast
Rule
Cyclists are expressly permitted to ride 2 abreast (side by side). This was previously allowed but was unclear to many drivers. Drivers should not intimidate cyclists into riding single file — in some situations, riding two abreast makes them more visible and actually safer.
Rule 72 — Updated
Cyclists at roundabouts
Rule
Drivers should give priority to cyclists on roundabouts. Do not overtake a cyclist on a roundabout and do not turn across them when they are going straight on or continuing around.
Mobile Phone Law — March 2022
Separately from the January Highway Code update, the law around mobile phone use while driving was significantly tightened from 25 March 2022.
Law change — March 2022
Any use of a handheld phone while driving is now illegal
Before
The previous law prohibited using a handheld phone to call or text while driving, but a loophole allowed other uses — such as taking a photo, filming, or scrolling music — if the driver was stationary.
Now
It is now illegal to use a handheld mobile phone for any reason while the engine is running — including taking photos, making video calls, paying at a drive-through, or any other interactive function. The only exceptions are genuine emergencies where stopping is unsafe, and contactless payments where the vehicle is stationary and you are not on a public road.
Penalty: 6 points + £200 fine
6 penalty points is enough to revoke the licence of any driver in their first two years under the New Drivers Act 1995. A single mobile phone offence after passing your test can end your licence.
What This Means for Your Test
DVSA examiners assess you against the current Highway Code. The 2022 changes most likely to affect your test are the junction rules (H2 and H3) — specifically:
- 01When turning at a junction, check for pedestrians on the road you're turning into before completing the turn.
- 02When turning left, check for cyclists alongside you heading straight on — do not cut across them.
- 03When turning right, check for oncoming cyclists going straight ahead — they have priority over your right turn.
- 04Allow additional space when the road ahead includes cyclists or horse riders.
Related Guides
UK Road Signs
Every category of UK road sign explained — warning, prohibition, mandatory, and information — with the signs most likely to appear in your theory test.
Test Day Checklist
What to bring, what to expect at the test centre, what happens the moment you pass or don't pass — everything you need for the day of your practical driving test.
Test Manoeuvres Explained
The four manoeuvres used in the UK driving test — what each one involves, how it's marked, the most common faults, and exactly what the examiner is looking for.
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