Question 290 · Car theory test
On a plain motorway, what procedure should a driver adopt when wishing to overtake another vehicle safely?
Pick an answer to test yourself.
Correct answer
Use their mirrors, signal, and overtake in the right-hand lane when it is safe to do so.
Official explanation
When a driver wants to overtake on a motorway, they should generally only overtake on the right, unless traffic is travelling in slow-moving queues. The driver should use the Mirror-Signal-Mirror blind spots Manoeuvre routine: check mirrors, signal intention, check mirrors again and blind spots, and complete the manoeuvre when it is safe to do so. They should pay particular attention to the speed of the traffic behind them before they move out. When they have finished overtaking, they should move back into the left-hand lane smoothly.
- Topic
- Manoeuvres, turning & overtaking
- Also in
- This question also appears in the motorcycle theory test.
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