When driving, you’ll need to overtake someone else on the road at some point on your journey. You might need to overtake another car, a cyclist, a horse rider or even pedestrians. Overtaking can be scary for new or inexperienced drivers, but it doesn’t need to be. Learning the basics of safe overtaking can protect you, your passengers and other road users from danger.
In this guide on how to overtake safely, we’ll walk you through the process of overtaking and explain your responsibilities as a driver and the rules and regulations you need to follow.
What is overtaking?
Overtaking describes the process of passing another vehicle or person on the road. You might be overtaking a moving vehicle, a static vehicle at the side of the road or undertaking another car (which can happen when you pull up to a junction, for example).
While it may be considered a standard manoeuvre, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) describes overtaking as high risk for both drivers, the vehicles they’re overtaking and other road users who may be travelling in the opposite direction.
In 2022, there were 6,280 overtaking collisions. Poor technique, excessive speed and limited visibility are all common causes of overtaking accidents.
Step-by-step guide on how to overtake safely
Let’s start with a bit of theory. Overtaking is covered in the Highway Code (sections 162 to 169), so reading that is a useful place to start. It can be hard to translate those words into actions, but we’ve done that below in our step-by-step guide on how to overtake safely.
Do you need to overtake?
Overtaking is risky, so first consider whether it’s essential to do so. A car travelling a few miles per hour under the speed limit will only hold you up a little. It can be frustrating to follow a slower vehicle but don’t take unnecessary risks to make progress.
Is it safe to overtake?
Only you can decide if it’s safe to overtake. The Highway Code recommends you check three things before overtaking:
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The road is sufficiently clear ahead
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Road users are not beginning to overtake you
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There is a suitable gap in front of the road user you plan to overtake
As well as these, think about the weather, the conditions of the road and how your decisions will impact other drivers before making your decision to overtake. Only start the move if you’re confident it’s safe to do so. Any worries, wait for another opportunity.
Check both lanes
Before overtaking, make sure that you have a clear line of sight (which means not overtaking near a bend or obstruction in the road). You’ll need to ensure enough space to overtake the vehicle in front, safely pass them and then return to your side of the road.
The biggest risk when overtaking is that you’ll meet an oncoming vehicle, so check again to ensure that the opposite side of the road is clear before making your move.
Are you confident your car will make it?
You’re going to need to accelerate to overtake, so consider your current speed and gear and the performance of your car. Carrying extra weight in the car (like passengers or luggage) or things like bikes or boxes on the roof can slow you down, so factor that into your mental maths.
Slow slightly and indicate
It’s important to slow a little before overtaking. This creates a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead before indicating. As well as providing protection, this gives other road users time to spot your signals and understand you’re planning to overtake.
Remember: Mirror, signal, manoeuvre
Before making your overtaking move, remember to check the mirror, signal and manoeuvre. Look at all mirrors before making your move.
Check your blind spot
Check your mirror and look at your blind spot. Your blind spot is the space directly behind and to the rear of your car on both the left and right that you can’t check with standard rear-view mirrors. When overtaking, you can turn your head to check your right-hand blind spot. You’re looking for another car, van or motorable that could be overtaking you. For extra safety, you can invest in a blind spot mirror which provides better visibility around your blind spot.
Accelerate confidently
When it’s time to make your overtaking manoeuvre, select the right gear and accelerate confidently. You want to ensure you have the power to safely complete your overtake.
Pass the other vehicle and return to your lane
When you’ve passed the other vehicle return to your lane safely. Accelerate a little way past the other vehicle until you can see them in your rear-view mirror and slot back in without getting too close. There’s no need to indicate when you return to your lane.
Check your mirrors and carry on
Take one last glance into your mirrors to check everything is safe. Sometimes, other drivers will follow you as you overtake, and you’ll want to leave them enough space to return to your side of the road. Finally, adjust your speed (keeping within the speed limit) and continue your journey!
Your overtaking questions answered
The guide on safe overtaking should help you learn the process, rules and regulations about passing other people (or animals) on the roads. We know we’ve not answered everything, so (helpfully) here are some of the most common questions people have about overtaking:
Can I speed to overtake someone?
We know that being stuck behind a slow-moving vehicle can be frustrating, especially if you’re in a rush to get somewhere. You must ensure that overtaking is safe and legal – and that means staying within the speed limit.
Can I follow another car that’s overtaking?
You can follow another car that’s overtaking, but only if you think it’s safe and legal to do so. It can be tempting to assume the road is safe ahead if another car goes, but you can only be sure if you follow the steps we’ve outlined above.
Is overtaking on a single-lane road illegal?
You’ll need to check all road markings and signs to ensure that overtaking is safe and legal. You’re the driver and it’s your car and responsibility.
Can I cross double white lines to overtake?
Overtaking on double white lines can be confusing to some drivers, so we’ve made it as simple as possible here:
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Double white lines where both are solid: It’s illegal to cross double white lines to overtake a car or other powered vehicle.
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Double white lines where the nearest is broken: You can legally overtake here (as long as it’s safe to do so!).
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Double white lines where the nearest is solid: You can’t overtake another moving vehicle, with a couple of exceptions. You can legally cross double white lines if you need to overtake a bike, horse rider or road maintenance vehicle (but only if they’re travelling at ten mph or less).
How much space should I give to a cyclist when overtaking?
Cyclists are highly vulnerable on the roads and should be treated with the same respect as any other vehicle. Recent changes to the Highway Code say that cyclists should be given at least 1.5m of space when passing them. If you can give them more space, do so.
How should I overtake a horse and rider?
Horses can easily be scared by loud car noises and excessive speed, so always be as cautious as possible. Slow down and give the horse and rider plenty of room. The Highway Code says motorists must slow to 10mph to pass horses.
Turn off loud music and avoid revving the engine loudly or beeping the horn. Keep looking at the rider for any signals they may give. Be sure to give as much room to the horse and rider as possible.
Stay safe for the journey ahead
If done cautiously and with care, overtaking can be safe. If you follow the steps outlined in this guide on how to overtake, you’ll keep you, your passengers and other road users protected. From all of us at Halfords, have a safe trip!
