Overtaking

To overtake safely, you need to make sure it’s legal and safe to pass and be able to stay in control of your car.

Where should you practise this?

Try using passing lanes before you start overtaking on a single-lane road. This will help you get the basics of overtaking down, without having to cross to the other side of the road.

Before you overtake

• Scan ahead at least 12 seconds to make sure there is enough clear road for you to pass. Remember that you need at least 100 metres of clear road ahead once you’ve finished overtaking.
• Look for any side streets that vehicles may pull out from.
• Check the road markings. A single dashed white line, or a dashed white line on your side and a yellow line on the other side, means you can overtake here. A single yellow line on your side or two yellow lines means you can’t overtake here.
• If it’s dark look for reflectors on the road. A yellow reflector means there is a no-passing centreline in place, while white is for a passing centreline.
• Before you start to overtake, stay at least 2 seconds behind the car in front. This way you’re ready in case they brake suddenly.

Overtaking

• Indicate right and check your mirrors and over your shoulder.
• Do one last check that you still have enough clear road ahead. Be prepared to stop overtaking if you decide the gap isn’t big enough.
• Double check your mirrors and over your shoulder to make sure there isn’t another vehicle trying to pass you before you start pulling out.
• As you pass the vehicle in front, indicate left.
• Check your mirrors and over your shoulder to make sure you’re clear of the passed vehicle before pulling back into the left lane.

Remember: you’re not allowed to break the speed limit, even for overtaking. If you don’t think you can overtake without going over the speed limit, ask yourself if you need to overtake here.

Other tips for overtaking

• The faster the vehicle in front is going, or the longer the vehicle is, the more space you’ll need to pass.
• If you need to stop overtaking, brake and pull back in behind the vehicle you were trying to pass. You can try passing again later when the space is right.
• If you’re stuck behind a big truck on the open road, don’t pass unless you’re confident and can see past it. Drop back and leave enough space in front of you for vehicles that do want to overtake.