Buses are large, they stop frequently, and their intentions are not always obvious. On UK roads, where bus stops are common in residential and urban areas, knowing how to read what a bus is about to do — and responding appropriately — is a practical driving skill tested by examiners.
The UK Bus Priority Rule
Highway Code Rule 223 states that you should give way to buses, coaches, and trams when they signal to pull out, if it is safe to do so. This is not an absolute legal requirement in the same way as a Stop sign, but a responsible driver recognises the practical reality: a bus weighing 12 tonnes pulling out from a bus stop will not stop for you.
Reading a Bus's Intention
Before a bus pulls out, there are observable signals to watch for:
- Right turn indicator flashing — the clearest sign the bus is about to pull out.
- Front wheels turning right — the driver has already begun the steering movement.
- Driver's gaze — if the bus driver is looking back over their shoulder into your lane, they are checking for a gap.
- Passenger doors closing — the bus has finished boarding and departure is imminent.
Avoiding Unnecessary Hesitation
One of the most common errors is hesitating behind a stopped bus when it has no intention of pulling out immediately — for example, when it's still loading passengers or its doors are open. Stopping behind a bus at a bus stop when you could safely pass is not cautious driving; it's indecision. Read the signals above to distinguish a departing bus from a stationary one.
Instructor's Tip
In practice, when you see a bus at a stop ahead, maintain your speed and observe. If the indicator begins flashing or the wheels start to turn, ease off the accelerator and give the bus space. If the bus is clearly stationary with no signs of departure, plan to pass it safely — with a mirror check and appropriate clearance — rather than waiting behind it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I legally have to give way to a bus?
- Rule 223 says 'give way if it is safe to do so' — so there is some judgement involved. In practice, if a bus is clearly pulling out and you can safely slow to let it in, you must give way.
- What if a bus pulls out and causes me to brake hard?
- If you were travelling at an appropriate speed and the bus pulled out unexpectedly without adequate signal, the bus driver is at fault. Maintain a speed that allows you to react.
- Do trams have the same rules?
- Trams operate on fixed rails and cannot avoid collisions as easily as buses. Highway Code rules for trams (Rules 300–307) apply. Always give way to trams at crossings and junctions.