This lesson focuses on identifying and managing risks associated with bus stops, a critical area for professional drivers of Category D vehicles. You will learn to anticipate the unpredictable movements of pedestrians and cyclists to ensure the safety of your passengers and other road users.
Lesson content overview
This lesson teaches Category D drivers to identify and manage hazards at Swiss bus stops, focusing on the unpredictable behaviour of pedestrians and cyclists. Key legal obligations include yielding to boarding and alighting passengers under § 55, maintaining 1.5 metres lateral clearance from cyclists per § 73, and ensuring no cyclist is within 5 metres before opening doors. The mandatory look-last mirror check must be performed systematically after doors close and before moving off, covering all mirrors to detect hazards in blind spots. Safe approach requires respecting the 30 km/h urban speed limit and adapting to conditions such as weather, road layout, and passenger density to prevent collisions and ensure compliance with Swiss professional driving regulations.
A short set of high-value points that capture the most important learning from this lesson.
Pedestrians boarding or alighting have legal priority under Swiss Road Traffic Act § 55, requiring drivers to remain stationary until all passengers have safely cleared the bus's path.
A minimum lateral clearance of 1.5 metres must be maintained between a stationary bus and passing cyclists according to § 73 of the Swiss Road Traffic Act.
Bus doors must not be opened if a cyclist is within 5 metres of the door side, as specified in Article 4 of the Regulation on Door Interlocks.
The 'look-last' mirror check is a mandatory comprehensive scan of all interior and exterior mirrors performed immediately before moving off from a bus stop.
Urban approach speed to bus stops is limited to 30 km/h, though conditions may require reducing speed further for safety.
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Pedestrian priority applies whenever bus doors are open, not just at marked crossings—the duty of care extends throughout the boarding and alighting process.
Cyclist clearance has two distinct requirements: 1.5 metres lateral distance while stationary and 5 metres longitudinal clearance before opening doors.
The look-last check sequence must cover interior mirrors, both side mirrors, and any rearview mirrors or cameras, followed by direct vision where possible.
Bus positioning must balance proximity to the kerb for passenger access while never encroaching into cycle lanes or adjacent traffic lanes.
Environmental factors such as weather, time of day, and passenger density all require adaptive driving adjustments despite fixed rules.
Premature departure: moving off while a passenger is still stepping onto the pavement or while a cyclist is passing within the danger zone.
Incorrect positioning: stopping too far from or too close to the kerb, which blocks cycle lanes and forces cyclists into hazardous situations.
Skipping the look-last check: neglecting the final mirror scan after doors close allows pedestrians or cyclists in blind spots to go undetected.
Opening doors before the bus is fully stationary or before confirming the 5-metre cyclist clearance zone is clear.
Assuming an apparently empty stop is hazard-free: pedestrians can emerge unexpectedly from behind parked vehicles or other obstructions.
Lesson content overview
A short set of high-value points that capture the most important learning from this lesson.
Pedestrians boarding or alighting have legal priority under Swiss Road Traffic Act § 55, requiring drivers to remain stationary until all passengers have safely cleared the bus's path.
A minimum lateral clearance of 1.5 metres must be maintained between a stationary bus and passing cyclists according to § 73 of the Swiss Road Traffic Act.
Bus doors must not be opened if a cyclist is within 5 metres of the door side, as specified in Article 4 of the Regulation on Door Interlocks.
The 'look-last' mirror check is a mandatory comprehensive scan of all interior and exterior mirrors performed immediately before moving off from a bus stop.
Urban approach speed to bus stops is limited to 30 km/h, though conditions may require reducing speed further for safety.
Explore all units and lessons included in this driving theory course.
Pedestrian priority applies whenever bus doors are open, not just at marked crossings—the duty of care extends throughout the boarding and alighting process.
Cyclist clearance has two distinct requirements: 1.5 metres lateral distance while stationary and 5 metres longitudinal clearance before opening doors.
The look-last check sequence must cover interior mirrors, both side mirrors, and any rearview mirrors or cameras, followed by direct vision where possible.
Bus positioning must balance proximity to the kerb for passenger access while never encroaching into cycle lanes or adjacent traffic lanes.
Environmental factors such as weather, time of day, and passenger density all require adaptive driving adjustments despite fixed rules.
Premature departure: moving off while a passenger is still stepping onto the pavement or while a cyclist is passing within the danger zone.
Incorrect positioning: stopping too far from or too close to the kerb, which blocks cycle lanes and forces cyclists into hazardous situations.
Skipping the look-last check: neglecting the final mirror scan after doors close allows pedestrians or cyclists in blind spots to go undetected.
Opening doors before the bus is fully stationary or before confirming the 5-metre cyclist clearance zone is clear.
Assuming an apparently empty stop is hazard-free: pedestrians can emerge unexpectedly from behind parked vehicles or other obstructions.
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Find clear answers to common questions learners have about Hazard Perception at Bus Stops: Pedestrians and Cyclists. Learn how the lesson is structured, which driving theory objectives it supports, and how it fits into the overall learning path of units and curriculum progression in Switzerland. These explanations help you understand key concepts, lesson flow, and exam focused study goals.
The biggest hazard is often the 'invisible' cyclist passing on the nearside as you approach the kerb, combined with pedestrians who may suddenly step onto the road to catch the bus.
Always maintain a high level of situational awareness. Never encourage pedestrians to run by gesturing; focus on your safe stopping procedure and wait for them to reach the bus safely, ensuring you have clear visibility before moving off.
Cyclists are vulnerable, and you must grant them sufficient space. When approaching a stop, always check your mirrors repeatedly for cyclists who may try to filter past on the inside while you are decelerating.
Yes, regardless of whether you are driving a minibus (D1) or an articulated bus (DE), the principles of hazard perception at bus stops remain identical and are fundamental to professional driving safety.
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