Passing and overtaking

By the end of this topic you can

• You can decide whether a pass is legal and actually needed.
• You can judge whether there is enough clear road ahead to finish a pass.
• You can carry out a pass with the right checks, signals and lane return.
• You can respond safely when another driver is passing you.
• You can recognize places where you must never pass.

What you need to know and understand

• Most passing is done on the left. Passing on the right is only allowed in limited cases, such as on multi-lane or one-way roads or around a vehicle turning left.
• A solid line on your side of the centre line means passing is not safe there; a broken line means you may pass if the way is clear.
• In Ontario you may not pass within 30 metres of a pedestrian crossover, and you may not cross the centre line to pass within 30 metres of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel.
• Do not pass near the crest of a hill or on a curve where you cannot see oncoming traffic.
• The speed limit still applies while you are passing.
• Speeding up when someone is passing you is unlawful and dangerous.
• Ontario's handbook says never to pass a moving snowplow.

Is this pass worth it?

Before you even look at the oncoming lane, ask whether you gain anything. Passing a vehicle doing 5 km/h under the limit saves seconds and adds real risk. If you would need to speed to get past, the answer is no.

• Is passing allowed here (broken line, no signs saying otherwise)?
• Can you see far enough ahead to complete the pass with room to spare?
• Are there side roads, driveways or farm entrances where someone could pull out?
• Is anyone behind you already starting to pass you?

Making the pass, step by step

1. Stay a safe distance back so you can see past the vehicle ahead.
2. Check ahead for oncoming traffic and hazards, then check your mirrors and left blind spot.
3. Signal left, then move smoothly into the passing lane.
4. Accelerate steadily without going over the speed limit.
5. When you can see the front of the vehicle you passed in your rear-view mirror, signal right.
6. Return to your lane smoothly, cancel your signal and settle back to your speed.

When you are the one being passed

Keep to the right side of your lane, hold a steady speed and be ready to slow down a little to let the other driver back in. Never speed up to block them. If a pass looks like it is going wrong, easing off is the safest help you can give.

Places to never pass

Each province sets its own exact distances. The Ontario figures on this page are examples, so check your own province's handbook.

• Near the top of a hill or on a blind curve.
• Close to a pedestrian crossover, intersection or railway crossing.
• On or near bridges, viaducts and tunnels.
• Where a solid line is on your side of the centre line.
• Behind a stopped school bus with red lights flashing.

Common mistakes

• Starting a pass without enough clear road. If in doubt, do not pass.
• Speeding well over the limit to get past. Choose a better place or stay behind.
• Cutting back in too early. Wait until the vehicle you passed is visible in your rear-view mirror.
• Forgetting the left blind spot check before pulling out.
• Following too closely before the pass, which blocks your view of oncoming traffic.

Test yourself: Passing and overtaking

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