Overtaking and passing rules

On which side must you overtake?

You must pass on the right of a vehicle that is going the same way as you. Pass at a safe distance. Do not drive on the left side of the roadway again until you are safely clear of the vehicle you passed.

You may not exceed the speed limit when you overtake.

When may you pass on the left?

You may pass on the left only when it is safe for you and other traffic, and one of these is true:

• The vehicle you are passing is turning right, or its driver has signalled to turn right.
• You are in an urban area (in town) on a one-way public road (for traffic in one direction only) that is wide enough for two or more lines of moving vehicles.
• You are in an urban area on a public road wide enough for two or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction.
• The roadway is one-way and divided into traffic lanes by road traffic signs.
• You are obeying the directions of a traffic officer.

May you pass on the shoulder of the road?

No. You may never pass by driving on the shoulder of the roadway or on the verge of a public road.

Where may you not overtake?

You may not pass traffic going your way when you are approaching:

• the summit of a rise (the top of a hill)
• a curve
• any other place where your view is so restricted that passing could be a hazard to traffic coming from the opposite direction

At all three, you cannot see what is coming towards you.

There are two exceptions. You may pass there if you can do it without encroaching on (moving onto) the right-hand side of the roadway. You may also pass there if the roadway is one-way.

What must you do when another driver wants to pass you?

Keep left and do not speed up. Drive as near to the left edge of the roadway as possible, without endangering yourself, other traffic or property. Do not accelerate until the other vehicle has passed.

How do you pass oncoming traffic or a stationary bus?

Oncoming traffic is traffic coming towards you. As you pass it, your vehicle must not encroach on the roadway to your right in a way that may obstruct or endanger it.

Pass a stationary (standing) bus with due care. People may be walking to the bus or away from it, or may be about to.

May you flash your headlights to overtake?

Yes, when the vehicle ahead is not in the left hand lane. Flashing your headlights is a visible signal that shows that driver you intend to overtake.

How do you overtake on a freeway?

On any freeway, vehicles must keep left and overtake to the right. The official rules do not say clearly whether the cases for passing on the left also apply on a freeway. So on a freeway, learn overtaking to the right as the rule.

Mistakes learners make

• Going over the speed limit to get past. You may not exceed the speed limit when overtaking.
• Passing on the left because the vehicle ahead is slow. You need one of the listed cases, and it must be safe.
• Using the shoulder to get past. Passing on the shoulder or the verge is never allowed.
• Speeding up while someone overtakes you. Keep left and do not accelerate until they have passed.

Test yourself

1. Question 1

   You are driving on a public road and intend to pass a vehicle proceeding in the same direction. As a general rule, on which side of that vehicle must you pass?

   • A On the left
   • B On either side, whichever is clear
   • C On the right
   Show answer

   Answer: C: On the right

   You must pass a vehicle going the same way on its right side.

2. Question 2

   Which ONE of the following is NOT required of a driver passing a vehicle proceeding in the same direction on a public road?

   • A To pass to the right of that vehicle
   • B To pass at a safe distance from that vehicle
   • C To sound the hooter while passing that vehicle
   Show answer

   Answer: C: To sound the hooter while passing that vehicle

   You must pass at a safe distance; sounding the hooter while passing is not required.

3. Question 3

   You have moved to the right and are passing a truck proceeding in the same direction. When may you again drive on the left side of the roadway?

   • A As soon as you draw level with the truck
   • B When you are safely clear of the truck
   • C Immediately after signalling to the left
   Show answer

   Answer: B: When you are safely clear of the truck

   You may move back to the left only when you are safely clear of the vehicle you passed.

4. Question 4

   True or false?

   A driver is permitted to exceed the speed limit for a short distance in order to complete an overtaking manoeuvre.

   Show answer

   Answer: False

   You may not go over the speed limit when you overtake or pass another vehicle.

5. Question 5

   The vehicle ahead of you on a public road is turning to its right. Provided it is safe to do so, on which side are you permitted to pass that vehicle?

   • A On the left
   • B On the right
   • C On neither side; you must wait behind it
   Show answer

   Answer: A: On the left

   If it is safe, you may pass on the left a vehicle that is turning right.

6. Question 6

   You wish to pass a slow vehicle travelling ahead of you, and the shoulder of the roadway beside it is clear. What does the law require of you?

   • A You may pass on the shoulder, as it is clear
   • B You may pass on the shoulder between sunrise and sunset
   • C You must refrain from passing on the shoulder
   Show answer

   Answer: C: You must refrain from passing on the shoulder

   You may never pass another vehicle by driving on the shoulder of the roadway.