Overtaking, Passing and Lane Discipline
What this domain covers
Overtaking and lane discipline questions test where overtaking is banned, how to begin and end it, and the difference between overtaking and advancing in your own lane.
Where overtaking is prohibited
- At pedestrian crossings.
- At railway crossings and closer than 100 m before them.
- At intersections, except on a main road when signs permit.
- On bends, uphill sections and bridges with limited visibility.
- Where a solid line or sign 3.20 forbids it.
- A vehicle that has stopped to let pedestrians cross must not be overtaken.
Safe sequence
Check mirrors and blind spot, signal, ensure the oncoming lane is clear for the whole manoeuvre, accelerate decisively, then return to the right lane without cutting in. Outside built-up areas keep right unless overtaking or preparing to turn.
Worked example
A driver follows a lorry that slows at a zebra crossing. The driver pulls out to overtake. This is prohibited: overtaking at a pedestrian crossing is banned, and the lorry may be yielding to a pedestrian hidden from view.
Traps
- Overtaking a vehicle stopped at a crossing.
- Crossing a solid line to complete an overtake started legally.
- Driving continuously in the left lane when the right lane is free.