Overtaking and Passing Rules - Driver theory Test

Before overtaking another vehicle

Check mirrors, signal, and ensure the road ahead is clear.: Before overtaking, you should check your mirrors, signal your intention, and ensure that the road ahead is clear to complete the maneuver safely.

It is legal to overtake on the left if

The vehicle in front is signaling to turn right and there is room.: Overtaking on the left is only allowed when the vehicle ahead is signaling to turn right and there is enough space to pass safely.

When passing pedestrians walking in the road where theres no pavement

Pass slowly and allow at least 2 metres of space.: When passing pedestrians walking on the road, you should reduce your speed and allow at least 2 metres of space to ensure their safety.

Driving when overtaking a large vehicle like a lorry

Drop back to improve your view of the road ahead.: Dropping back increases your ability to see the road ahead, which is essential when overtaking large vehicles that obscure your view.

Driving when towing a trailer on a long downhill slope

Select a lower gear to control your speed.: Selecting a lower gear when towing on a downhill slope helps control your speed and reduces the need for constant braking, which can be dangerous.

It is safe to follow another vehicle thats overtaking a large vehicle if

You are sure there is enough room to complete the maneuver.: You should only overtake when you are certain there is enough room for your vehicle to pass safely. Dont assume there is room just because the vehicle in front is overtaking.

If traffic is moving slowly and the queue on your right is moving more slowly than you

Stay in your lane and pass on the left.: When traffic is moving slowly, you can pass slower-moving vehicles on the left, provided it is safe to do so and without changing lanes.

If a motorcyclist or cyclist is filtering through traffic

Give them plenty of room and remain aware of their presence.: Motorcyclists and cyclists may filter through traffic and are more vulnerable. You should give them plenty of space and be aware of their presence to avoid any accidents.

When to select a lower gear before driving downhill

To maintain a constant speed without using the brakes excessively.: Selecting a lower gear before descending a hill helps control your speed and reduces the need to rely solely on your brakes, which can overheat or fail on long downhill sections.

The correct procedure for checking your blind spot before moving off

Turn your head to physically check your blind spot.: Mirrors dont cover all areas around your vehicle. You must turn your head to check your blind spots to ensure there are no other road users, like cyclists, that you cant see in your mirrors.

When to give way to cyclists when changing direction or lane

Always, even if they are behind you.: Cyclists are vulnerable road users, and you must give way to them when changing direction or lane to avoid cutting across their path and causing a collision.

If the vehicle behind wants to overtake you on a single-track road

Move into a passing place on your left or wait opposite one on your right.: On single-track roads, if another vehicle wants to overtake, you should move into a passing place or wait opposite one to allow the vehicle to pass safely.

The recommended speed when passing horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles

Under 10mph with at least 2 metres of space.: You should pass horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles at a speed of under 10mph and leave at least 2 metres of space to avoid startling the horse and to ensure everyones safety.

If another vehicle is already overtaking a large vehicle ahead of you

Wait until the overtaking vehicle has completed the maneuver before considering your own overtake.: You should wait until the vehicle ahead has finished overtaking before attempting your own maneuver, as there might not be enough room for both vehicles to safely overtake.

When its advisable to use driver assistance systems

As long as you follow the manufacturers instructions.: Driver assistance systems can help with driving, but you must use them according to the manufacturers instructions to ensure they function correctly and dont cause distractions.

The correct procedure for overtaking a slow-moving vehicle on a country road

Wait for a clear stretch of road with good visibility and no oncoming traffic.: When overtaking on a country road, its essential to wait for a clear stretch of road with good visibility to ensure you can safely complete the maneuver without endangering yourself or others.

The first thing to do before overtaking another vehicle

Check your mirrors to assess the traffic around you.: Before overtaking, you must check your mirrors to ensure it is safe and that no one is overtaking you. Only then should you signal and begin your maneuver.

When you should NOT overtake another vehicle

When there are double white lines with a solid line nearest to you.: You must not overtake if it involves crossing or straddling double white lines where a solid line is nearest to you, as this is a violation of traffic rules and can be dangerous.

If youre being overtaken by another vehicle

Maintain a steady course and speed.: When being overtaken, maintain a steady course and speed. If necessary, slow down to let the overtaking vehicle pass safely. Speeding up or acting unpredictably can cause danger.

A scenario where overtaking is NOT recommended

Approaching a hump bridge.: Overtaking is not recommended when approaching a hump bridge because your visibility is restricted, and you cant see far enough ahead to assess the safety of overtaking.

Another scenario when you should NOT overtake another vehicle

Approaching a school crossing patrol.: Overtaking near a school crossing patrol is dangerous as children and pedestrians may be crossing the road, and their presence might not be immediately visible.

An illegal overtaking maneuver

Overtaking near a pedestrian crossing when the vehicle ahead has stopped.: Overtaking the nearest vehicle to a pedestrian crossing, especially when it has stopped to allow pedestrians to cross, is illegal and highly dangerous.

When to avoid overtaking due to limited visibility

On the brow of a hill.: Avoid overtaking on the brow of a hill as visibility is limited, and you cant see far enough ahead to ensure its safe to proceed.