Driving theory test: Overtaking and passing oncoming traffic

The lane ahead is clear
The lane you will move into is clear for long enough, and you will not get in the way of oncoming traffic (51.I.1).
Nobody behind is overtaking you
The vehicle behind has not started to overtake you, and the one ahead is not signalling to overtake, turn left or change lanes (51.I.2).
There is room to return
There is room in the lane you will return to, and the difference in speed lets you finish quickly (51.I.3).

A trackless vehicle may be overtaken only on the left. Exception: a vehicle that is signalling left and has started to turn is overtaken on the right (51.II). After overtaking, return to your previous lane; with two or more lanes in one direction you may stay in the left lane if you would have to overtake again at once and you do not hold up faster traffic behind (51.III).

Overtake only on the left; return to your lane when done (Article 51.I–III).

Overtaking is banned

Where	Note
At a regulated junction	by moving into the oncoming lane
At an unregulated junction	when you are not on the main road; roundabouts, two-wheelers without a sidecar and permitted right-side overtaking are exceptions
On a pedestrian crossing	when there are pedestrians on it
On a level crossing	and less than 100 m before it
A vehicle that is itself overtaking or passing	—
At the top of a hill and where visibility is limited	by moving into the oncoming lane
In tunnels	—

Article 51.V. Also wherever signs 3.20, 3.22 or lines 1.1, 1.3, 1.11 (solid side) apply.

3.20No overtaking 3.21End of no-overtaking zone 3.22No overtaking by lorries 3.23End of no-overtaking zone for lorries 1.13Steep descent 1.14Steep ascent

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Passing oncoming traffic

When it is hard to pass oncoming traffic, the driver with the obstacle on their side gives way. Where signs 1.13 «Steep descent» and 1.14 «Steep ascent» stand and there is an obstacle, the vehicle going downhill gives way to the one going uphill (51.VII). In places like a narrow bridge, signs 2.6 and 2.7 may also set the order.

When passing oncoming traffic is difficult, the driver with the obstacle on their side gives way (Article 51.VII).

A car turning left

Problem

The car ahead has its left indicator on, has moved to the middle of the road and has begun to turn. On which side may you pass it?

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Solution

On the right. A vehicle that is signalling left and has started the manoeuvre must be overtaken on the right (51.II). Overtaking it on the left is not allowed — it will cut across your path.

Before a level crossing

Problem

A level crossing is 150 m ahead. A tractor is in front, the oncoming lane is clear and the line is broken. May you overtake?

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Solution

Only if you can finish before you are within 100 m of it. Overtaking on the crossing and less than 100 m before it is banned (51.V.3); 50 m is hardly enough to pass a tractor safely, so it is better to wait until after the crossing.

Remember

Before overtaking: the lane is clear, nobody behind is overtaking you, the vehicle ahead is not signalling, there is room to return.
Overtake only on the left; a car turning left is overtaken on the right.
Banned: at junctions (with conditions), on a crossing with pedestrians, on and 100 m before a level crossing, overtaking an overtaker, at hilltops, in tunnels.
Do not speed up when you are being overtaken.
In a narrow place the one with the obstacle gives way; on a steep slope the downhill driver gives way.

Overtaking and passing oncoming traffic

In this lesson you will learn