Overtaking on a two-way road is one of the most dangerous things drivers do every day. The K53 rules are detailed, and the test checks both when you may pass and when you must not.
The basic rule
Pass on the right of the vehicle you are overtaking, at a safe distance, and only move back to the left once you are safely clear of it. You may not exceed the speed limit while overtaking.
When you may pass on the left
Passing on the left is allowed only if you can do it safely and:
- the vehicle ahead is turning right, or has signalled that it will;
- you are on an urban one-way road wide enough for two or more lines of traffic;
- you are on an urban road wide enough for two or more lines of traffic in each direction;
- you are on a one-way road divided into lanes by road traffic signs; or
- a traffic officer directs you to.
You may never pass by driving on the shoulder or the verge.
When you may not overtake
- When approaching the top of a rise, a curve or anywhere else your view is restricted, unless you can pass without moving onto the right-hand side of the road, or the road is one-way.
- Where an overtaking prohibited sign (R214) is shown. Do not overtake any vehicle for the next 500 m. R215 stops heavy vehicles from overtaking other heavy vehicles.
- Where road markings prohibit crossing the centre line, such as a solid barrier line on your side.
- Past a vehicle that has stopped at a pedestrian crossing.
Before you overtake
- Make sure you can see far enough ahead to finish the overtake without forcing anyone to brake or swerve.
- Check your mirrors and blind spot, then signal right.
- Pass with plenty of side space.
- Check your interior mirror. When you can see the whole front of the vehicle you passed, it is safe to move back.
- Signal left and move back smoothly.
When you are being overtaken
Keep as far left as you safely can and do not speed up until the other vehicle has passed. On a road with one lane in each direction, a light vehicle may move onto the shoulder during daylight to let a faster vehicle pass, if it is safe and you can clearly see people and vehicles at least 150 m ahead.
Test yourself
These questions come from the K53TestsOnline question bank. Choose an answer to see if you are right.
When another vehicle is trying to overtake you, you must:
Practise more rules of the road questionsYou may drive on the verge or shoulder to overtake on the left:
Practise more rules of the road questions