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K53 topic guide · 5 chapters

K53 overtaking rules

When you may overtake, when you may not, and how to do it safely.

Overtaking questions combine rules, road markings and signs. These chapters cover keeping left, safe passing, the lines on the road that stop overtaking and the signs that ban it.

Keeping left, lane changes and overtaking

A divided road has separate roadways for opposing traffic, often separated by a median or barrier. A traffic lane is a longitudinal space for one line of vehicles. The shoulder lies beside the roadway and is not simply an extra traffic lane.

  • A divided road has separate roadways for opposing traffic, often separated by a median or barrier.
  • Keep safely left without entering an unsafe area.
  • Apply the full rule to the actual vehicle, road and conditions.

Read the full chapter: Keeping left, lane changes and overtaking →

Overtaking and passing safely

Overtaking means moving past a vehicle travelling in the same direction. On a two-way road it can place you in the path of approaching traffic. You need enough visible road to move out, pass with clearance and return without forcing anyone to brake or swerve. A powerful engine does not make a hidden part of the road clear.

  • Overtaking means moving past a vehicle travelling in the same direction.
  • Keep a safe following gap and remain in your lane.
  • Apply the full rule to the actual vehicle, road and conditions.

Read the full chapter: Overtaking and passing safely →

Rules in detail: Overtaking and passing

What the rule says. The driver or rider of a vehicle that intends to pass another vehicle going the same way on a public road must pass to the right of it, at a safe distance. You must not drive on the left side of the roadway again until you are safely clear of the vehicle you passed. Exceeding the speed limit when overtaking or passing is not permissible.

  • Pass on the right; return left only when clear; stay within the limit.
  • Left passing only in these five cases, and only if safe.
  • No passing on the shoulder or verge, ever.

Read the full chapter: Rules in detail: Overtaking and passing →

Solid, broken and combination lines

Road markings define lanes and road edges, direct movements, identify stopping positions and keep dangerous areas clear. They remain instructions even though they are painted on the surface rather than mounted on a post. Regulatory markings must be obeyed.

  • First identify what the marking separates.
  • In a combination, read the line nearest your vehicle.
  • A permitted marking is only one of the checks needed before crossing.

Read the full chapter: Solid, broken and combination lines →

Overtaking, parking and stopping bans

Four red-bordered signs control where you may pass and where you may leave your vehicle. R214 bans overtaking for the next 500 metres. R215 bans heavy vehicles from overtaking other heavy vehicles.

  • One bar bans parking. A cross bans stopping altogether.
  • Stay behind the vehicle ahead and obey the road markings.
  • If the restriction applies to your vehicle, remain behind the heavy vehicle ahead.

Read the full chapter: Overtaking, parking and stopping bans →

Practice questions on overtaking

1 When is it legal to overtake another vehicle on the LEFT-hand side?

  1. When overtaking on the left gravel shoulder at night
  2. When the vehicle in front is turning right, on a one-way street, or when there are two or more lanes in the same direction
  3. Whenever the vehicle in front is driving slower than 60 km/h on a single-lane road
Show the answer

Answer B: When the vehicle in front is turning right, on a one-way street, or when there are two or more lanes in the same direction

Passing on the left is permitted only in the listed circumstances and when safe: a vehicle turning right, specified sufficiently wide urban roads, marked one-way lanes or an officer’s direction. Never use the shoulder or verge to overtake, by day or night.

Memory tip: Pass on left ONLY if car ahead turns right, one-way, or multi-lane.

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2 For a light vehicle on a road with one lane each way, when does the limited shoulder exception for allowing another vehicle to overtake apply?

  1. Only between sunrise and sunset (daytime), when visibility is at least 150m and it is safe
  2. At any time of day or night if someone flashes their brights behind you
  3. Even in thick fog or heavy rain at night
Show the answer

Answer A: Only between sunrise and sunset (daytime), when visibility is at least 150m and it is safe

The light-vehicle exception is limited to being overtaken on a road with one lane each way between sunrise and sunset, when safe and people and vehicles are clearly visible at 150 metres. It is not permission to overtake along the shoulder.

Memory tip: Yellow line pull-over = Daytime ONLY + 150m visibility.

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3 Which side of a two-way road should you normally drive on?

  1. The left-hand side
  2. Either side when quiet
  3. The right-hand side
Show the answer

Answer A: The left-hand side

Keep left except when legally overtaking or following traffic directions.

Memory tip: Keep left except when legally overtaking or following traffic directions.

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4 Before changing lanes, what should you check?

  1. Mirrors, blind spot and whether the new lane is clear
  2. Only the vehicle directly ahead
  3. Only the interior mirror
Show the answer

Answer A: Mirrors, blind spot and whether the new lane is clear

Mirrors do not show every area beside you. Check the blind spot and signal before moving safely.

Memory tip: Mirrors do not show every area beside you. Check the blind spot and signal before moving safely.

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5 When should you slow down for a sharp bend?

  1. Only when a vehicle is approaching
  2. Before entering the bend
  3. Only after reaching the tightest point
Show the answer

Answer B: Before entering the bend

Reduce speed and select a suitable gear before the bend, so you can steer smoothly through it.

Memory tip: Reduce speed and select a suitable gear before the bend, so you can steer smoothly through it.

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6 May you exceed the speed limit to complete an overtake?

  1. Yes, whenever the vehicle ahead is slow
  2. Yes, for up to ten seconds
  3. No, the speed limit still applies
Show the answer

Answer C: No, the speed limit still applies

Normally pass on the right, leave a safe distance, and return only when safely clear. Overtaking does not permit exceeding the speed limit. Do not pass where your view of approaching traffic is dangerously restricted.

Memory tip: A clear view and a safe return come first.

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AceK53 is an independent study aid based on public road traffic manuals and is not an official test. Always confirm requirements with your driving licence testing centre.