Safe Driving, Is it Safe to Overtake

Before you consider overtaking another vehicle that isn’t stationary, you should consider whether it’s safe and legal to do so. 

Don’t attempt overtaking if:

• There are double white lines in the middle of the road
• The car in front is approaching a pedestrian crossing
• You need to enter a bus lane during its hours of operation
• You can see a ‘no overtaking’ sign

You should also avoid overtaking anywhere you could come into conflict with other road users, especially on a corner, bend, hump bridge or the brow of a hill.

Even when you’re confident the road ahead is sufficiently clear, always check your mirrors to be sure no-one behind you is starting to overtake you. Use your indicators correctly to make your intentions clear, take extra care when overtaking large vehicles, and leave plenty of space when passing vulnerable road users such as cyclists.