Overtaking

By the end of this topic you can

• You can decide whether an overtake is needed and safe.
• You can read dividing lines to know when crossing them is allowed.
• You can overtake on the right and return to your lane with plenty of room.
• You can recognise when overtaking on the left is allowed.
• You can help others overtake you safely.

What you need to know and understand

• You normally overtake on the right of the vehicle you are passing.
• Overtaking on the left is allowed on multi-lane roads, or past a vehicle that is turning right or making a U-turn and signalling.
• You must not cross a single continuous dividing line or double continuous lines to overtake.
• You must not exceed the speed limit while overtaking.
• When someone is overtaking you, you must not speed up.
• You must not overtake a vehicle that has stopped at a pedestrian crossing to let people cross.

Before you pull out: the go or no-go check

If the answer to any question is wrong, stay back. Using an overtaking lane a few kilometres ahead is almost always the better choice.

• Is the road ahead clear for long enough to pass and get back safely?
• Do the dividing lines allow you to cross on your side?
• Are there hills, bends, side roads or crests hiding oncoming traffic?
• Can you pass without going over the speed limit?
• Is anyone behind you already starting to overtake?

Overtaking on a two-way road

1. Keep a safe following distance so you have a clear view ahead.
2. Check mirrors and blind spot, then signal right.
3. Move out, pass briskly within the limit, and keep checking ahead.
4. When you can see the whole front of the overtaken vehicle in your inside mirror, signal left and return.
5. Cancel your indicator and settle back to a normal speed.

When others overtake you

Keep a steady speed, stay left in your lane and do not speed up. If you are a slow learner driver on a single-lane road with a queue behind, it is courteous and safe to pull into a safe spot and let them pass.

Common mistakes

• Starting an overtake too close to the vehicle ahead, which blocks your view of oncoming traffic.
• Cutting back in too early and forcing the overtaken driver to brake.
• Overtaking near crests, bends or intersections where you cannot see far enough.
• Going over the limit to finish the pass: if you need to speed, you should not be passing.

Test yourself: Overtaking

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