35.103. The driver of a vehicle, in order to pick up (drop off) passengers, must:
UAВодій транспортного засобу для здійснення посадки (висадки) пасажирів повинен:
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns safety during the boarding and alighting of passengers and the proper organization of stopping on the road. In real-life situations, even a brief stop can create a dangerous situation: a passenger opens a door towards the direction of traffic, a cyclist or motorcyclist may be riding along the edge of the carriageway nearby, and other drivers may not have time to react. Therefore, the traffic rules require the driver to control the stopping place and the actions of passengers, minimizing the risk of stepping into traffic.
The question tests knowledge of the section on the duties and safety of road users during boarding/alighting (point 5.1), as well as related rules on stopping and warning other participants (15.1, 9.9, 2.3(f)). The essence of the requirement is as follows: passengers must board and alight only after a complete stop from the safest place (boarding platform, sidewalk, or roadside), and if this is not possible, then from the outermost lane, but definitely not from the side of the adjacent traffic lane. Additionally, the driver must make sure it is safe, in particular by using mirrors, to prevent conflicts with vehicles moving nearby.
The analysis of the options in this theoretical exam comes down to the fact that following only one rule does not guarantee safety. The requirement to use the edge of the carriageway and not to board/alight from the side of the adjacent lane corresponds to the logic of point 5.1 and reduces the risk of a passenger stepping into the path of a vehicle. The requirement to first make sure of the passengers' safety using mirrors complements this practically: even a correct stop does not rule out the approach of a cyclist or car. It is precisely the combination of both actions that is the correct model of driver behavior according to the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.
Clause 5.1
Boarding (alighting) is allowed only after the vehicle has stopped, and only from a boarding platform, or if there is none — from the sidewalk or shoulder, and if this is not possible — from the outermost lane of the carriageway (but not from the side of the adjacent traffic lane), provided that it is safe and does not create obstacles for other road users.
Explanation of application: this clause checks that the driver must organize boarding/alighting so that passengers do not step into the adjacent traffic lane and that no danger/obstacles are created (in particular for cyclists/motorcyclists traveling along the right edge).
Clause 15.1
Stopping and parking of vehicles on the road must be carried out on the shoulder, and if there is none — as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway, and on one-way roads — also near the left edge of the carriageway.
Explanation of application: this clause checks the requirement to stop for boarding/alighting near the edge (shoulder/right edge of the carriageway) to minimize the risk of a passenger stepping into traffic and to avoid provoking other vehicles to pass "between the car and the edge."
Clause 9.9
Before starting to move, changing lanes, turning or making a U-turn, or stopping, the driver must give the appropriate signal using the turn indicators, and if they are absent or faulty — by hand.
Explanation of application: this clause checks that the driver must warn other road users in advance of the intention to stop for boarding/alighting.
Clause 2.3 (f)
The driver is obliged, before starting to move, changing lanes, turning, making a U-turn, and stopping, to make sure that it will be safe and will not create obstacles or danger to other road users.
Explanation of application: this clause checks the general obligation of the driver to ensure the safety of the stopping maneuver/boarding-alighting process and not to create obstacles for others.
That is, the correct answer is "Answer 1 and 2.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, boarding/alighting is allowed only after stopping in a safe place (clause 5.1), and the stop itself must be performed near the edge of the carriageway/on the shoulder with warning to other road users and without creating danger or obstacles (clauses 15.1, 9.9, 2.3(f)).
During the boarding or alighting of passengers, the driver is responsible not only for comfort but, above all, for safety. Therefore, the Rules establish a clear procedure: passengers must get in and out in such a way as not to end up in the path of other vehicles and not to create sudden obstacles.
According to paragraph 5.1 of the Traffic Rules, boarding and alighting are allowed only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. The principle of "from the safest place to the less safe one" applies: first and foremost, this is a boarding platform. If there is none, passengers should use the sidewalk or the roadside. Only when this is also impossible is boarding/alighting from the outermost lane of the carriageway allowed, but strictly not from the side of the adjacent lane, so that the passenger does not step directly into the flow of vehicles.
The practical meaning of these requirements is clearly seen in urban conditions. If a driver stops at the edge of the carriageway and a passenger opens the door toward the road, a passing cyclist or another road user may try to "slip through" this space, creating a dangerous situation. That is why the Rules essentially instruct the driver to organize boarding/alighting from the side of the sidewalk/roadside, that is, where the passenger does not enter the traffic zone.
It should also be understood that even when stopping on the left side of the road, the driver must ensure that passengers exit from the safe side, that is, not into the adjacent lane. This reduces the risk of collision and conflict with vehicles moving nearby.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Answer 1 and 2," since boarding/alighting is allowed only after stopping and must be carried out from the safe side: from the boarding platform, and if it is absent, from the sidewalk/roadside (and only if this is impossible — from the outermost lane, but not from the side of the adjacent lane).