Overtaking
Overtaking is when you move past another road user travelling in the same direction, usually by using
a different lane or the opposite side of the road. It's one of the higher-risk manoeuvres you'll make as a driver or
rider, so you must know when it's safe, legal – and when you should not overtake at all. Understanding
overtaking rules is essential for passing the
DVSA driving theory test
and for staying safe on real UK roads.
Use this Overtaking guide to learn the key rules for learner drivers, see how they apply in everyday driving, and help you
prepare for the UK
car theory test,
motorcycle theory test,
HGV / LGV theory test,
PCV theory test, or
ADI Part 1 DVSA theory test.
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What is overtaking?
Overtaking is when you move past another road user who is travelling in the same direction as you – for
example, a slower car, lorry, cyclist or horse rider. It can involve:
-
Moving into a right-hand lane or the opposite side of the road to pass a slower vehicle and then returning
to your normal position.
-
Passing slower traffic in another lane on multi-lane roads and dual carriageways when lane rules and markings allow.
-
Overtaking vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians walking in the road, with
plenty of space and reduced speed.
Because overtaking usually involves higher speed and moving closer to oncoming traffic or vulnerable road users, it carries
more risk than simply following. In your theory test, you'll be expected to know when overtaking is allowed, how to do it safely
and when you must not overtake.
Key overtaking rules
As a learner driver or rider, you need to understand safe overtaking and only overtake when it is
legal, necessary and clearly safe. Here are the key overtaking rules you should know:
-
Before overtaking, ask yourself if it is really necessary. If you will soon be turning off, approaching
a junction, crossing, or changing speed limits, it may be safer to stay behind.
-
Use the Mirrors - Signal - Manoeuvre routine (plus blind-spot checks) before you move out, and make sure there is
enough clear road ahead to complete the overtake safely.
-
Do not overtake where you might come into conflict with other road users, such as near junctions, pedestrian
crossings, bends, brows of hills, road works or where road signs and markings prohibit overtaking.
-
Never overtake if you cannot see far enough ahead to be sure it is safe. For example, if your view is blocked by a large vehicle
or there is limited visibility due to weather or the road layout.
-
When overtaking cyclists, horse riders or pedestrians in the road, pass at a safe speed and leave plenty of
room. Be prepared to slow down and wait if it is not safe to pass.
-
On multi-lane roads and dual carriageways, you should usually overtake on the right. Do not overtake on the left
(undertake) except in specific situations where traffic is moving in queues and the lane to your right is moving more slowly.
-
Once you have overtaken, move back into your original lane only when you can see the vehicle you have passed in your
interior mirror and it is safe to do so.
These overtaking rules are based on Rules 162–169 of the UK Highway Code, which cover planning, checking, positioning and completing overtakes safely. Want to see the Highway Code overtaking rules?
View the Highway Code overtaking rules
.
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Typical overtaking situations
Here are some common overtaking situations you'll need to understand for your DVSA theory test and real-world driving:
-
Overtaking slow-moving vehicles on single carriageway roads when you have a clear view ahead and no oncoming traffic.
-
Passing cyclists, horse riders and parked vehicles, giving them plenty of space and reducing your speed.
-
Using the right-hand lane to overtake slower traffic on dual carriageways and other multi-lane roads.
-
Not overtaking near junctions, pedestrian crossings, bends, brows of hills or where road markings and signs forbid overtaking.
-
Deciding to abandon an overtake if circumstances change. For example, if oncoming traffic appears or the vehicle
you planned to pass speeds up.
You'll see be asked about, or see, these situations in the DVSA theory test questions and hazard perception test clips.
Overtaking in real driving situations
Overtaking is a higher-risk manoeuvre and must be done with extra care. You'll use your overtaking knowledge every time you:
-
Follow slow-moving vehicles on rural roads and have to decide whether the road ahead is long and clear enough to pass safely.
-
Drive on busy urban roads with parked cars, cyclists and buses pulling in and out of stops.
-
Use multi-lane roads and need to move into a faster lane to pass slower traffic, then return to the left-hand lane.
-
Pass vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians in the road and horse riders, where extra care and space are vital.
In your practical driving test, examiners will expect you to show good judgement about when to overtake, when to wait and how to complete
the manoeuvre smoothly, without causing risk to yourself or others.
Overtaking questions in the DVSA theory test
Overtaking appears frequently in the multiple-choice part of the DVSA theory test. You may be asked:
- When it is safe and legal to overtake on different types of roads.
- What you should check and do before you begin an overtake.
- How to overtake cyclists, horse riders and other vulnerable road users safely.
- When you must not overtake due to road signs, markings or road layout.
Explore a sample of the latest DVSA theory test revision questions in Driving Theory 4 All's
theory test questions and answers
section.
Source: Department for Transport (GOV.UK) - The Highway Code. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.