Rules of the road: positioning, lane use, turning, overtaking, following distance
Positioning and lane use
Drive on the right. Use the rightmost lane for your direction and keep close to the right edge on narrow roads, especially in a slow tractor. Do not use the left lane continuously just because you are slow; keep right and let faster traffic pass where it is safe. Do not drive on the shoulder unless the code or a sign allows it. Before turning, check mirrors, signal in good time, position correctly and do not cut the corner.
Turning
When turning left, give way to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right. When turning right, give way to pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road you are entering. A tractor with a wide implement may need a wider swing; check that the rear implement will not strike the kerb, signs or a waiting vehicle.
Overtaking
Overtake on the left, only with clear sight distance and no prohibition. Do not overtake at a pedestrian crossing, on a blind crest, or where a continuous line forbids it unless the code makes a specific exception. A slow tractor should make overtaking easy by keeping right and, where safe, pulling into a layby to release a queue.
Following distance
Use at least a two-second gap in dry weather and much more in rain, mud or poor visibility. A loaded trailer increases braking distance. Leave extra space for cyclists and horse-drawn vehicles.
Worked example
A tractor at 25 km/h is holding up cars on a 90 km/h road. Reasoning: the tractor driver keeps far right, does not wave cars past into oncoming traffic, and uses a layby when available. The overtaking car must see a clear gap, signal, and complete the pass without forcing oncoming traffic to brake.
Traps
Overtaking on a blind hill; following too closely behind a loaded trailer; using the left lane as a slow vehicle; and turning a wide implement without checking the rear swing.