Using passing lanes

Using passing lanes is a good way to pass slower vehicles without crossing the centreline. This will also help when you learn how to overtake by crossing the centreline.

Where should you practise this?

Plan some driving along country roads and highways that have passing lanes.

If you’re not passing

There’ll be times when you come to a passing lane and don’t want to pass other vehicles. When this happens:

• stay in the left lane
• give other drivers the opportunity to pass you. If you’ve been driving slower than the speed limit make sure you don’t speed up
• keep your following distance at 2 seconds (or at least 4 seconds in poor conditions)

If you do want to pass

• As you come up to the passing lane, leave a large following distance so that you can see well ahead. Check there’s enough room to pass before the lane ends.
• If you’re going to pass a big vehicle, like a truck, remember that it’ll take longer to pass than a car.
• Before you pass, indicate for 3 seconds, check your mirrors and over your shoulder, and pull smoothly across to the right-hand lane. When you have passed the other vehicle, repeat this process to move back into the left lane.

When the passing lane ends

• Watch for signs telling you when the passing lane is about to end.
• Near the end of the passing lane, check your mirrors and blind spots for any traffic behind you, indicate and merge with the other lane.