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Rules of the road · about 2 min read

Overtaking and passing safely

Understand the rule, its conditions and how to apply it

What you will learn

  • Explain the purpose of this rule.
  • Apply the procedure and recognise its limitations.

Purpose and essential terms

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.

Normally pass on the right. First identify the road layout, signs, markings and any places where your view is limited. A hill crest, curve, stopped bus or crossing may hide a hazard. Do not overtake a vehicle stopped at a pedestrian crossing.

Key idea: Overtaking means moving past a vehicle travelling in the same direction.

How to apply the rule

Check ahead and behind, use the relevant mirrors and check the blind spot. Confirm that overtaking is permitted and that the space ahead remains available for a safe return. Signal your intention in good time, then check again before moving.

Leave safe clearance while passing and stay within the speed limit. Return to the left only when safely clear of the passed vehicle, checking and signalling as needed. If a safe passing opportunity is not available, remain behind at a suitable following distance. When being overtaken, keep safely left and do not accelerate until the other vehicle has passed.

Key idea: Keep a safe following gap and remain in your lane.

Conditions and easily confused points

Passing on the left is allowed only in specified circumstances and only when safe. The manual includes a vehicle turning right, certain sufficiently wide urban roads, marked one-way traffic lanes and an officer’s direction. These exceptions do not authorise driving along the shoulder or verge to get past.

A broken centre line does not guarantee a safe overtake. It addresses the marking restriction, while the view, speed, traffic and other rules must still be checked.

Key idea: Apply the full rule to the actual vehicle, road and conditions.

Worked road situation

A slow vehicle is ahead, but a crest hides the opposite lane beyond it.

  1. Keep a safe following gap and remain in your lane.
  2. Do not begin an overtake into the hidden opposing lane.
  3. Wait for a permitted place with enough visible clear road and space to return.

Quick recap

  • Keep a safe following gap and remain in your lane.
  • Do not begin an overtake into the hidden opposing lane.
  • Wait for a permitted place with enough visible clear road and space to return.

Practice questions on overtaking and passing safely

1 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.

All vehicle codes

2 When should you return to the left after overtaking?

  1. Whenever the other driver flashes their lights
  2. As soon as your front wheels are ahead
  3. Only when safely clear of the vehicle passed
Show the answer

Answer C: Only when safely clear of the vehicle passed

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.

All vehicle codes

3 What should you do when another vehicle is overtaking you?

  1. Move right to discourage the driver
  2. Accelerate to shorten the overtake
  3. Keep safely left and do not accelerate until it has passed
Show the answer

Answer C: Keep safely left and do not accelerate until it has passed

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.

All vehicle codes

4 A hill crest hides approaching traffic. Should you overtake into the opposing lane?

  1. No, the restricted view can make it dangerous
  2. Yes, if your vehicle is powerful
  3. Yes, if you sound your horn
Show the answer

Answer A: No, the restricted view can make it dangerous

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.

All vehicle codes

Part of the guide: Overtaking

More rules of the road chapters

Sources: NaTIS Rules of the Road, PDF pp. 33–34, section 6.45; iDriving K53 manual, PDF pp. 91–102 (comparison; incomplete text extraction checked against official reference).

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.