How to overtake safely I Learner Driver Hub

32. OVERTAKING - A risky undertaking.

Correct overtaking is one of those skills that receive very little practice, whilst learning to drive. Usually the learner vehicle is the one being overtaken. When the time comes to do it on their own, one simple mistake could lead to a head-on-collision!

Little teaching, lack of experience and too much confidence - a dangerous mix!

Overtaking is risky, because you are driving on the wrong side of the road for an extended period.

Before deciding to overtake ask these three questions:

1. Is it really necessary?

Why try to overtake, when you are about to turn off*, or you have almost arrived at your destination? How often do we catch up with a driver in the next town or crossroad, who only moments earlier took a great risk to overtake us?

*Cyclists are particularly prone to being overtaken, then being cut off by motorists turning left.

2. Is it legal?

It is not legal to overtake, if...

... you have to break the speed limit to do so!

...you have to cross barrier lines (double centre lines).

... you have to cross an unbroken line or when the unbroken line is on your side.

... if signs indicate: 'No overtaking' (at road works etc.).

3. Is it safe?

If still deciding to overtake, think further:

How far can you see ahead? (It often takes much longer to overtake than you think?)

Are there blind entry points* (intersections, T-junctions, driveways) where unseen vehicles could emerge from?

Are there any hazards ahead, eg. School or pedestrian crossings, traffic lights, traffic islands etc?

Any hills or crests ahead? Your car may lose speed suddenly overtaking uphill. A depression in the road could hide oncoming traffic!

Will you have enough space to overtake and cross safely back to your side? (*See animation below)

NEVER overtake... behind another vehicle that is overtaking ahead of you!

NEVER overtake... without checking if someone is already overtaking you!

NEVER overtake... without giving the vehicle ahead first option to overtake!

NEVER overtake... unless you intend to travel faster than the vehicle ahead.

If there is any doubt in your mind - HOLD BACK!

How to overtake:

1. Check mirrors and blind-spot.

If somebody is overtaking you, wait!

2. When safe, indicate right and move out without any great acceleration - yet. If suddenly any safety factor makes you change your mind, it is far easier to abandon the manoeuvre and wait for a better opportunity! Under powerful acceleration you're committed. Changing your mind halfway through can cause unforeseen problems.

3. When an uninterrupted view is obtained, and it is safe to overtake, accelerate briskly.

4. Indicate left and move back to your side gradually. Normally, when the front of the vehicle you just overtook appears in your rear-view mirror, move back to your side of the road. Allow a safety margin!

<<< Expect the unexpected.

When the van driver first decided to overtake the road looked clear ahead. Suddenly a vehicle appeared from a driveway behind the building.

Expect oncoming traffic to appear from side roads, driveways, around blind bends or crests!

View animation here:

Overtaking and safe following distance.

Careless OVER-TAKERS have a date with the UNDERtAKER !

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Our information could vary in your part of the world. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.

Road Safety by Dieter Fischer - Learner Driver Hub 2020.