Overtaking Rules

The essentials

This topic presents the sequence for preparing, performing and completing an overtaking maneuver. The learner should assess visibility, oncoming traffic, road signs and markings and make sure the maneuver can be completed without endangering others.

What to remember

Before overtaking, make sure the road ahead is clear for a sufficient distance, the oncoming vehicle will not be forced to brake, and a vehicle behind you has not already started overtaking. After passing, return to your lane only when there is safe space in front of the vehicle you passed. Do not exceed the permitted speed limit while overtaking.

Listen to the explanation

Educational material; not a substitute for the current official rules.

Try questions on this topic

A small practice set from this subtopic. The full question bank and saved progress are available in your account.

Moving to the leftmost lane on two-way roads with three lanes marked with markings, of which the middle lane is used for traffic in both directions (except for roads with reversing traffic control)
  1. Allowed
  2. Prohibited
  3. Allowed, only to overtake, bypass, turn left or U-turn.

The correct answer: Prohibited

Entering the far-left lane is prohibited because it belongs to opposing traffic. On this three-lane two-way road, only the middle lane may be used temporarily for overtaking, passing an obstruction, turning left, or making a U-turn. Those manoeuvres do not permit entry into the opposing outer lane.

You are driving on a two-way road with three lanes. In what case is it allowed to enter the middle lane?
  1. Only to overtake
  2. Only to go around
  3. Only for making a left turn or a U-turn
  4. In all of the above cases

The correct answer: In all of the above cases

The middle lane may be entered in all the listed cases: overtaking, passing an obstruction, turning left, or making a U-turn. It is shared by both directions and is not a normal cruising lane. Before entering, ensure it is clear from the opposite direction and return to the right lane after the manoeuvre.

Are public vehicles in populated areas allowed to occupy the leftmost lane of a road that has 3 or more lanes in one direction?
  1. Allowed when overtaking
  2. Allowed when making a left turn or U-turn
  3. Allowed in all cases

The correct answer: Allowed when making a left turn or U-turn

The correct answer is only when making a left turn or U-turn. In a populated area, public route vehicles may not occupy the far-left lane of a road with three or more lanes in one direction for ordinary travel or overtaking.

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