Overtaking

By the end of this topic you can

• You can decide whether an overtake is necessary, safe and legal.
• You can use mirrors, signal and position correctly before, during and after overtaking.
• You can give cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians the space the Highway Code recommends.
• You can overtake large vehicles safely by dropping back first to improve your view.
• You can react sensibly when someone overtakes you.

What you need to know and understand

• Before overtaking, make sure the road ahead is clear, nobody is overtaking you and there is a suitable gap to return to.
• You must not overtake where it would mean crossing or straddling double white lines with a solid line nearest you.
• You must not overtake after a No Overtaking sign until you pass a sign cancelling it.
• You must not overtake the moving vehicle nearest a pedestrian crossing.
• Leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at up to 30 mph, and more at higher speeds.
• Pass horse riders at under 10 mph with at least 2 metres of space.
• You may overtake on the left only in limited cases, such as when the vehicle ahead is signalling to turn right and there is room.

The overtaking routine

1. Ask yourself if you need to overtake at all. Will it gain you anything?
2. Keep a safe distance behind so you can see past the vehicle ahead.
3. Check that the road ahead is clear for the whole distance you need, including time to get back in.
4. Check your mirrors and blind spot to make sure nobody is overtaking you.
5. Signal right if it helps others, then move out and pass quickly but within the speed limit.
6. Check your left mirror and move back in only when you can see the overtaken vehicle in it, without cutting in.

Places to hold back

If you cannot see far enough ahead, do not overtake. That includes approaching a bend, a hill brow or a hump bridge. Other places where overtaking can put you in conflict with others include:

• At or approaching junctions on either side of the road.
• Where the road narrows, or near a school crossing patrol or pedestrian crossing.
• Between the kerb and a bus or tram at a stop.
• Where traffic is queuing at junctions or roadworks, or at a level crossing.
• When the driver ahead is signalling right.
• Behind a cyclist or horse rider approaching a junction where you plan to turn left.

Cyclists, large vehicles and being overtaken

Give cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and pedestrians at least as much room as you would give a car. If you cannot leave the recommended space, wait behind. Large vehicles are long and block your view, so drop back to see past and let the driver see you, and make sure there is plenty of room ahead before committing.

When someone overtakes you, keep a steady course and speed, and slow down if needed to let them back in. Never speed up or move out to block them. If they cut in, drop back to restore at least a two-second gap.

Common mistakes

• Sitting too close behind before overtaking, which hides the road ahead. Drop back to see more.
• Starting an overtake without enough room to return. If in doubt, do not overtake.
• Squeezing past cyclists. Wait until you can leave at least 1.5 metres.
• Cutting in too early. Wait until you can see the vehicle you passed in your left mirror.
• Speeding up when being overtaken. Hold your speed or ease off to help the other driver.

Test yourself: Overtaking

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Highway Code Overtaking Rules
• Overtaking Cyclists in GB