Overtaking

Overtaking Safely

Overtaking is one of the most dangerous manoeuvres on the road.

It requires judgement, patience, and precision.

Never overtake unless you’re certain it’s both safe and legal.

Before Overtaking

Do not overtake if:

  • Your view ahead is restricted (bends, hills, dips).

  • The road narrows.

  • You’re approaching a junction or crossing.

  • There isn’t enough space to complete the manoeuvre safely.

  • Road markings or signs prohibit it (e.g. solid white lines).

Always make sure:

  • You can return to your lane safely without cutting in.

  • You won’t force another vehicle to slow down or swerve.

Judging Speed and Distance

The smaller the difference between your speed and the other vehicle’s speed, the longer it takes to pass.

For example:

  • At 30 mph, it can take up to 400 metres to safely catch and overtake a vehicle doing 15 mph.

  • At 55 mph, two vehicles approaching each other close the gap at 110 mph (177 km/h) — that’s about 50 metres per second.

Always allow more time and distance than you think you’ll need.

Overtaking Large Vehicles

When overtaking buses, lorries or trailers:

  • Keep well back to get a clear view ahead and allow the driver to see you in their mirrors.
    (If you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you.)

  • Be aware that left-hand-drive lorries have different blind spots.

  • Expect speed changes – heavy vehicles slow uphill and speed up downhill.

  • Never drive alongside a large vehicle for long; stay visible.

Overtaking Slow-Moving Vehicles

Farm machinery, refuse trucks, and road maintenance vehicles often move slowly and display flashing amber beacons.

  • Be patient. Wait until the road ahead is completely clear and safe.

  • Watch for workers on or near the road.

  • Do not overtake on bends, brows of hills, or near hidden farm entrances.

Overtaking on Hills

  • Uphill: Leave plenty of time to return to your lane before the crest. Oncoming vehicles may appear suddenly.

  • Downhill: Braking takes longer; control your speed carefully.

  • Long Hills: Watch for lanes marked by double white lines; uphill traffic may have two lanes for overtaking.

Three-Lane Roads

The centre lane may be used by both directions for overtaking — this is very dangerous.

Only overtake when you can see far enough ahead to complete safely.

If in doubt, wait.

Before You Begin

Many dangerous stretches are marked with double white lines or hatch markings.

Do not overtake near:

  • Junctions

  • Turning or queueing traffic

  • “Right-turners” slowing or waiting in the road 

Watch the Vehicle Ahead

Observe carefully:

  • Are they preparing to turn?

  • Are they about to overtake another vehicle?

  • Have they spotted a hazard you haven’t?

Never assume you know what they’ll do.

Vehicles Turning Right

Most overtaking collisions happen when a driver overtakes a vehicle turning right.

Always check for:

  • Right-turn indicators or slowing vehicles

  • Gaps in oncoming traffic that another driver might turn into

Following Another Overtaker

Never follow another vehicle into an overtaking move unless you have a clear view of the road ahead.

Make your own decision — if in doubt, hold back.

The MSM / PSL Overtaking Routine

MSM – Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre

  1. Mirrors: Check behind and ahead for traffic.

  2. Signal: Indicate only if it helps others.

  3. Manoeuvre: Follow the PSL steps below.

PSL – Position, Speed, Look

  • Position: Stay far enough back for a good view, but close enough to overtake smoothly.

  • Speed: Maintain a steady speed and select a lower gear if you need more power.

  • Look: Check for hazards, oncoming vehicles, motorcyclists, and blind spots before pulling out.

When safe:

  • Move out gradually.

  • Overtake quickly but smoothly.

  • Return to your lane without cutting in.

Never overtake if another vehicle is already doing so.

 

Allowing Space

Give cyclists, motorcyclists, and horse riders at least as much room as you would a car.

Do not overtake them just before turning left or if you’ll have to stop soon after.

If they glance over their shoulder, they may be about to turn or change position — wait.

Overtaking on the Left

You may only overtake on the left when:

  • The vehicle in front is turning right and it’s safe to pass on the left.

  • Traffic is moving slowly in queues, and your lane is moving faster.

  • You’re on a one-way street or turning left at a junction.

Never move to the left-hand lane just to overtake.

Overtaking on Dual Carriageways

Normally, stay in the left-hand lane and use the right-hand lane only for overtaking or turning right.
Return to the left as soon as it’s safe.

MSM/PSL in Practice

  • Mirrors: Check early — high speeds mean traffic approaches quickly.

  • Signal: Indicate to inform drivers ahead and behind.

  • Position: Keep well back for a clear view.

  • Speed: Ensure you can accelerate briskly without exceeding the limit.

  • Look: Check for hazards and recheck mirrors before moving out.

When safe:

  • Move smoothly into the right-hand lane.

  • Overtake quickly.

  • Return to the left only when well clear — do not cut in.

Defensive Overtaking

  • Never accelerate when someone is overtaking you.

  • Ease off to let them pass safely.

  • If in doubt — don’t overtake.

  • Be patient and considerate; blocking faster vehicles can create risk for everyone.

Key Reminders

  • Keep a safe distance — 2 seconds dry, 4 seconds wet, 20 seconds icy.

  • Always be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear.

  • Never overtake unless you’re 100% sure it’s safe and legal.

  • Be patient — arriving a few seconds later is far safer than not arriving at all.

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