Driving Lesson Notes #9: Manoeuvres pt 2 (turns, reversing, passing, moving aside, changing lanes, overtaking)

Turns:

a. U-turn:

1. Start from near the curb for maximum space to turn
2. Check, steer fully to the other side of the road, slowly driving forward until you are in the other side of the road.
3. Straighten the wheel as you finish the turn

 

b. Turn in the road (3-point turn):

Turn-in the road is used on narrow roads when u-turns can’t be used. Although it is called a 3-point turn, more turns than 3 can be used depending on the size of the car and the road.

1. Indicate signal that you will pull over to the curb
2. Start from near the curb for maximum space to turn
3.  Checks, steer fully to the other side of the road, and drive slowly until you reach the other side of the road. Avoid hitting the curb. Use a reference point of when the curb meets the bottom corner of your window to stop reversing.
4. Checks, then steer fully in the opposite direction, then reverse slowly until you reach the other side of the road. Avoid hitting the curb. Use the reference point (…)
5. Checks, then steer fully in the opposite direction, then drive forward slowly until you reach the other side of the road facing in the direction you intended to go.

Reversing:

Reversing around the corner:

Reversing around the corner used to be in the driving maneuver test but is no longer a part of the curriculum. It is still useful to practice it in case you are in a scenario where you have to reverse from a curve you’ve just entered, i.e. if the roads were blocked. The reverse maneuvering skills can also help with your reverse parking skills. It is also important to know that you can reverse from a major to a minor road, but not from a minor to a major road.

The main purpose of this maneuver is to maintain a constant distance between your car and the curb as you reverse around the corner.

1. Pull up on the side of the road, about 2 car lengths from the curve. Keep a distance of a drain’s width between you and the curb. This allows you to have enough room to steer when reversing and to avoid hitting the curb.
2. Lower the side mirror to see better how close you are to the curb
3. Use the side mirror to keep a constant distance between the car handle and the curb. But only glance at the side mirrors, make sure you are constantly looking around for oncoming vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians.
4. Stop as you approach the curb and pull up the handbrake. The mirror will show that the gap between the car handle and the curb widens as you approach the curve.
5. At this point check for any oncoming vehicle before you reverse.
6. As you reverse, begin to steer and maintain the distance between the car handle and the curb as shown in the mirror. If the gap gets wider steer towards the curb and as the gap becomes smaller you can steer away from the curb.
7. Eventually, when you see the car and the curb becoming closer in the mirror again,  it means the curve is coming to an end. This is when you should be ready to straighten the wheel.
8. Ensure to straighten when the car and curb are parallel in the side mirror. Continue to reverse until about 3 car lengths.
9. Check before moving off (especially blind spot).
10. This maneuver involves signaling twice. As you move off, don’t forget to signal in the direction of the center lane, followed by another signal whether you will turn the left or right at the junction.
11. If the road marker is a solid white line, make sure you stop before you complete your turn

 

Passing a parked vehicle or obstruction:

This does not apply only to parked vehicles but also to any sort of obstructions such as road works.

a. Passing a parked vehicle or obstruction:

Rules:

1. Be in a position with a good view:  Read below to learn how to be positioned effectively.
2. Provide a safe space for parked vehicles: Also, known as adequate clearance. Aim to provide a space of 1m (3 ft or car door width) for the parked vehicle in case they may open their door.
3. Move slower as the space gets tighter: The speed that we drive will depend on the adequate clearance (space between you and the parked vehicle). Go slower as the space becomes more tighter.
4. Understand who has priority in oncoming traffic: learn who has priority when there is an oncoming traffic in the area of the parked car. Read here.

Skill sets to develop:

1. Spacial/distance judgement:
   • Space to pass through (on available road space): Assess whether you can fit through space on narrow roads along with oncoming traffic and parked vehicles. Use your visualisation to see if another vehicle (similar size as the vehicle you see ahead) can fit in the available road space along with reasonable safety space (adequate clearance). Imagine if another clone vehicle can fit beside the existing vehicle ahead.
   • Width distance between vehicles: It is important to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles (adequate clearance). For instance, ideally, you should provide a 1m distance for a parked vehicle so they can safely open their doors. You can assess distance with other vehicles (parked and moving) with by using a reference point marker i.e. how much of the parked vehicle’s door handle you will see from your rear window. Only use a reference marker when you are slow because it will take your eyes off the road.
2. Speed control: you will need to know how to move slowly and creep in narrow spaces. Work on your clutch control skills in a manual car.
3. Meeting oncoming traffic skills: read more here.
4. Be extra careful of doors opening, pedestrians and cyclists: Be extra careful of doors unexpectedly open, pedestrians coming out from behind parked cars and cyclists (usually on your left).

Tips for passing a parked vehicle:

a) Checking position before passing a parked vehicle:

The checking position for parked

• Length: be at least 2 car lengths behind the parked vehicle. This will give you a better view and will provide space to reverse in the case that oncoming traffic were to appears.
• Be positioned right: be on the right side of your lane for a better view to see oncoming traffic. You will be more visible to road users and they will know you are not parking.

The checking position when on the bends:

• When passing vehicles parked on the right bend: position yourself on the left for a better view.
• When passing vehicles parked on the left bend: position yourself on the right for a better view.

b) Provide a safe space for parked vehicles:

Also, known as adequate clearance. Aim to provide a space of 1m (3 ft or car door width) for the parked vehicle in case they may open their door. The speed is determined by the adequate clearance space:

• 1m (3 ft or car door width) = more than 20mph
• Less then 0.5m = less then 10mph
• Tighter space = walking speed or less

c) Know when to use signals:

Generally, it is not necessary to use your signals when passing parked vehicles because it may confuse road users. Our road position will show other road users our intentions i.e. being positioned on the right side or slight movement forward. Here are some pointers:

• Don’t use a signal if it will mislead road users, i.e. using a signal near a junction, parking or pulling up.
• No need to signal left when you return to the left lane as it could cause other drivers to think you are parking or turning left at a junction.
• Use the right signal to let other road users know you intend to pass around the parked vehicles when:
  1. It looks like you are parking because you are positioned behind other parked vehicles (because of the narrow space or need to be in good viewing position because of a right bend)
  2. Remind other drivers your intention if you have to wait for a long time for oncoming traffic to pass.
  3. When passing a vehicle that has just parked or has lights on in order to let them know your intention in case they may start a manoeuvre or open their door.
• Prioritise not misleading road users over letting them know your intention because it may lead to more danger. So avoid signalling near a junction if possible. It is better to wait than to mislead.

d) Use the available road space:

When there is no oncoming traffic: you can use the middle of the available road space rather than the centre line. This allows you to have adequate clearance space between you and other vehicles. You do not need to stay on the left lane and keep on passing around when there is no oncoming traffic.

e) Passing a line of parked vehicles in the middle of available road space:

You can stay in the middle of the available road space without being on the left lane weaing around vehicles.

f) Understand who has priority in an oncoming traffic:

Learn who has priority when there is an oncoming traffic in the area of the parked car. Read here.

How to pass a parked vehicle:

The routine involves doing MSM (Mirror Signal Manoeuvre) twice. Do MSM routine to move to the right position/lane and another to return to the left position/lane.

Stage 1: Passing them by moving to the right

1. Position: Be about 2 car lengths behind the parked vehicle and safely position to the right side of the lane for good view.  For situation such as the bends, read above.
2. Check: Check the centre mirror, right side mirrors and right blind spot. Be careful of pedestrians and cyclists.
3. Signal: Signal when needed
4. Final check: …
5. Manouever:
   • Move over to the right and then move forward.
   • Turn off the signal as you start to pass the parked vehicle.
   • Be careful of pedestrians, especially children crossing the road from behind the vehicle.

Stage 2: Return to the left lane

1. Check: Check the centre mirror, left side mirror and left blind spot. Watch out for cyclists, pedestrians or vehicles moving off.
2. Signal: No need for the left signal as it will confuse road users, i.e. thinking you will park.
3. Manoeuver: Move back to the left lane.

Passing parked vehicles on a one-way road:

(…)

b. How to pass around a bus at a bus stop:

Rules:

• Give way to the bus when it begins to move off.
• You are allow not give way when you are already committed – passing half way through the bus.
• Move slowly around the bus as passengers may cross the road from in front of the bus.

Know when the bus is about to take off:

Know when the bus will be stay stationary:

1. Light/signals: left signal or hazard warning lights (which indicates changing drivers or breakdown).
2. Having a long queue of people at the bus stop.

Know when the bus will be taking off:

1. Light/signals: warning lights, left signal cancelled and right signal on.
2. Empty at bus stop.

What to do as the bus takes off whilst you overtake:

If the bus moves off just as you are about to overtake: stop, turn off the signal, let the bus move off, check the mirror & blind spot and then pull back behind the bus.

If the bus moves when you are already committed (being halfway through the bus): continue to overtake if safe. You can use the horn to warn the bus driver.

How to pass a bus at a bus stop:

Step 1: Passing them by moving to the right

1. Position: Be positioned 2 car lengths behind the bus and carefully creep out to the right side of the lane for a better view. Also, have enough space to reverse back in case the bus takes off.
2. Check: Look ahead and check the centre mirror, right side mirrors and right blind spot. Here is what you should be looking out for:
   • Be ready to give way when the bus moves off by their warning lights and right signals.
   • Look out for oncoming traffic
   • Look out for any vehicles, cyclists and motorcyclists.
3. Signal: Signal right.
4. Final check: Check the mirrors and blind spot.
5. Manouever: Move over to the right and then move forward. Move slowly around the bus as passengers may cross the road from in front of the bus.

Step 2: Returning to the left lane

1. Check: Check the centre mirror, left side mirror and left blind spot.
2. Signal: Signal left
3. Manoeuver: Return to the left lane and turn off the signal.

Scenarios:

(i) Should I signal when overtaking near a junction?

You may decide not to use signals to avoid misleading other road users, especially when near a junction. Our road position of being on the right side should let other road users know our intention. You can use a signal if we help other road users.   

Passing buses at a bus stop on a one-way road:

(…)

 

Moving aside (giving way to oncoming traffic)

There are circumstances when you may need to move a side to give way to oncoming traffic on a narrow road or for an emergency vehicle to pass.

For oncoming traffic on narrow roads:

• Pull to the side but with the face slightly angled outwards ready to drive off to let other drivers behind know you are waiting to move off and not parked.
• Before moving off, the indicator is not usually required but can be useful if you feel the driver behind does not know you are waiting to move off

Here are some tips:

• If possible don’t stop too close to the kerbs otherwise people may think you are parking. It will be more difficult to move out and the traffic behind may overtake.
• Avoid using left signal lights if possible to avoid others thinking you are parking.
• Be safely positioned outward so you can be ready to move back out.
• Avoid stopping near a parked car if possible, otherwise it will be more difficult to move back out.
• Waiting on 2nd gear isn’t ideal. Always prepare to go in 1st gear.

How to move aside:

Use the MSM routine to move aside and moving off.

• Check (mirrors): watch out for cyclists or motorcyclists overtaking and the traffic behind.
• Stop in the gap: the gap space includes parking space, opposite of oncoming traffic parking space and near connected roads. Be positioned not too close to the kerb and face outward being ready to move back out.  See above on how to stop the gaps and move aside.
• Check if adjustment is needed: Check the mirrors to see if you need to make any adjustments. i.e. move slightly forward if there is a blockage behind you.
• Check mirror & manoeuver: After the oncoming traffic passes, check (mirrors) and move back out.

 

Changing lane:

Situations when changing lanes:

• Overtaking:
• Approaching junctions: being in the correct lane when approaching junctions.
• Roundabout: changing lanes happens when approaching the roundabout and when exiting from the right lane.
• Dual carriageways & motorways: changing to correct lanes and overtaking.

Rules:

• Only change lanes  when it is necessary and worth it because we want to minimise the risky manoeuvre as much as possible.
• An unsafe lane change is when you end up forcing other road users to brake harshly or change lanes to avoid colliding with you. The act of you changing lanes should not affect the flow of traffic or endanger other road users.
• Make sure there is a safe distance between the vehicles ahead and behind you. Keep at least 2 second gap in dry road and at least 4 seconds gap in wet road.
• Only change lanes when the vehicle behind is not accelerating towards you and is at a safe distance.
• Don’t change lanes when the lane line is solid – unless for an emergency or an exceptional circumstance.
• Don’t change lanes 15m before a pedestrian crossing
• Don’t change lanes on curves on high speed, especially in wet or snowy road conditions.
• Only change one lane at a time.

Skill sets to develop:

• Smooth steering: don’t over turn the wheel and swerve into the new lane. Make minor movement on the steering wheel.
• Non-reactive steering: learn to not steer reactively such as steering away from a vehicle that seems close but is within safe distance.
• Don’t turn the wheel when checking mirrors and blind spot: Some new users have tendencies to turn the wheel whilst their turn their head. This is dangerous, especially at at high speed and so lead to a collision. You can practice by pretending to hold a plate still whilst performing the mirrors and blind spot check.
• Maintain constant speed whilst checking mirrors & blind spot: being distracted when checking and slowing down will close the safety gap to safely manoeuver. Practice pedal control whilsts doing the mirrors and blind spot check.
• Learn how to use your mirror: Learn to judging the speed & distance of the vehicle behind using mirrors and to assess whether it is safe to change lane.
• Practice blind spot check: especially learn to check for vehicles that is 2 lanes away, in case they want to also change into the same lane.
• Get used to observing vehicles that are 2 lanes away to avoid changing to the same lane at the same time with them.
• Operate on the basis that larger vehicles will have blind spots:

Things to consider before changing lanes:

Here are some things to consider before changing lanes:

• Ask yourself whether it is worth the risk of changing lanes. i.e. If you are already on the correct lane to exit, then is it worth changing lanes to speed up or patiently wait a little longer on the slow lane? And will you be able to find a safe gap to return back to the exit lane?
• Planning: planning on which lanes you need to be on will save you from the panic and risk of changing lanes at the last minute. Sav Nav also help plan your journey.

How to change lanes:

Change lanes using the MSM (Mirror/Check, Signal & Manoeuve) routine. I would also include additional step of “Final Check” within the routine. Note that I will refer “Mirror” as “Check” because it also involves looking over your shoulder at your blind spot.

(i) Changing lanes on minor roads (i.e. approaching junctions):

1. Awareness & planning: This is not part of the MSM routine but I think it is worth mentioning. Regularly checking the mirrors will give you an idea of the road situation. This will later help you when you decide to change lanes. i.e. know the traffic situation and cars behind that are accelerating ahead. Also, being aware of situations that may cause other road users to change lanes such as approaching a junction, slip road, buses etc…
2. Check (for opening): check the centre mirror, side mirror (side of the lane you want to change to) & the blind spot, and decide whether it is safe to change lanes or not. The check should take 3 seconds or less. Here are things to consider:
   • Maintain speed and position whilst checking the mirrors and blind spot. Be careful not to accidentally steer.
   • Only change lanes when it is safe to do so. This means having a safe distance between you and the vehicle behind (as well as the vehicle in front) and the speed of the vehicle behind is not accelerating – not closing the safety gap.
   • Use the blind spot to assess the vehicles 2 lanes away. Check for signs if they want to change to the same lane, i.e. signals, change of speed, position etc… If that is the case then abort the manoeuvre.
   • Look out for cyclists and motorcyclists weaving in and out of traffic when doing a blind check.
   • If there is no opportunity to safely change lanes, don’t attempt to squeeze into a risky tight space.  If you are unable to change to the correct lane at a junction, continue your course and turn around when you can (or take a detour).
3. Signal: When you feel it is safe to change lanes, turn on the signal indicator for a few seconds (i.e. 3-5 seconds) before manoeuvre. This will give sufficient time to warn other road users to prepare and give you distance for the manoeuver.
   • Cancel the signal when there is a sudden danger i.e. a vehicle speeding up or attempting to overtake you. Wait until it is safe before restarting the MSM routine.
   • When the roads are clear, you technically don’t have to signal. However, you might want to get into the habit of doing so just in case you miss a road user when checking your mirrors and blind spots.
4. Final check: do a final check on the centre mirror, side mirror (on the side will turn) & blind spot.
5. Manoeuver: Maintain your speed and steer smoothly (gradually & diagonally) into the new lane – do not abruptly/sharply steer and swerve into the new lane.
   • Reason to maintain speed: speeding up whilst steering risks losing control.  Only change speed if it is absolutely necessary (???).
   • Reason to steer smoothly: gradual lane change will prevent you from skidding (especially on slippery roads), it gives time for other vehicles to notice & react. Also, it will be easier to return back to your lane if an incident is to suddenly develop i.e. a vehicle from 2 lanes away decides to enter the lane at the same time or if the vehicle behind you for whatever reason decides to suddenly speed up.
6. Turn off the signal & adjust to the new traffic speed: Don’t forget to turn off your signal to avoid misleading other road users. Adjust to the new traffic speed and ensure there is a safe distance between vehicles in front and behind you, as well as being safely positioned where there is no vehicle beside you for an extended period of time.

(ii) Changing lanes on slow-moving traffic:

If you want to change lanes, turn on your signal and make eye contact with the road users on the lane you want to enter. When they slow down, it means they are giving way for you to enter. Enter into the new lane and turn off your signal.

(iii) Changing lanes on fast-moving traffic (i.e. dual carriageway & motorway): 

(…)

Tips for predicting & planning:

Here are some scenarios to consider:

• Bus stops: On bus lanes when they might stop for a while, anticipate road users changing lanes. So consider making space for them by changing lanes etc…
• When entering slip road junction: expect some road users change  lanes from the left lane to the right to create space for the vehicles entering from the slip road.
• When a lane comes to an end/merge: expect vehicles to change lanes in advance. Change lane in advance if you happen to be in a lane that will merge.

Common mistakes:

• Not maintaining speed when checking: we should not slow down & disrupt the flow of traffic when checking mirrors and blind spot.
• Not maintaining road discipline when checking: we should not accidentally steer when checking the mirrors and blind spot.
• Not giving signal time to warn road users and moving out too early: not giving enough time to let road users know your intentions.
• Staring at the mirror too long and steering towards it automatically.

 

Overtaking:

Overtaking is when you pass another slower-moving road user who is travelling in the same direction as you. These roads include single-lane roads and single-carriageways.

a) Overtaking on a two-way road:

Overtaking on two-way roads such as single-lane roads or single-carriageways is risky because you will need to be temporarily on the opposite traffic lane to overtake. It requires careful preparation to check the safety before you manoeuvre.

Rules:

1. Make sure it is legal and safe to overtake: see below in the preparation section.
2. Do not surpass the speed limit when accelerating: Do not break the speed limit when you overtake. That is why it is not worth overtaking when the vehicle in front is near the speed limit.
3. Do not overtake when another vehicle overtakes: do not overtake when another vehicle overtake. Also do not follow another vehicle overtaking in front. Doing so will lead to risky accidence.

Preparation – things to consider before overtaking (safety check):

1. Is it necessary and worth overtaking?:

As overtaking (especially on high speed single carriageway) is risky and so we should only do so when it is necessary. We should also ask ourselves if the time we might save is worth the risk? Here are situation when it is not worth overtaking:

• There is no point in overtaking when the vehicle in front is driving fairly close to the speed limit.
• When there is a large queue of traffic.
• It is safer to wait to overtake on a dual carriageway or motorway when it is near by.

2. Is it legal to overtake?:

Road signs and markings you must be aware of:

1. No Overtaking sign (NB: you can only disobey when overtaking a cyclist or horse).
2. Lane lines:
   • Solid double line: Do not cross or straddle. NB: this does not apply to overtaking stationary vehicle, cyclist, horse rider or road maintenance vehicle under 10mph or less. You can also cross when you need to turn right.
   • Double white lines when the nearest line is broken: you can overtake. But make sure you complete the manoeuvre before reaching a solid white line on your side.
   • Double white lines when the nearest line is solid: You can overtake if it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. this does not apply to overtaking stationary vehicle, cyclist, horse rider or road maintenance vehicle under 10mph or less.
3. Hatch area: Hatch area with broken white lines allows to be driven over. However, the continuous solid white lines cannot be driven over except in an emergency.
4. Zig-zag lines: these are found in near-crossing areas.

3. Is it safe to overtake?:    

1. Be careful of other road users (oncoming traffic & overtaking): Wait for other vehicles to overtake before you do so.
   • Oncoming vehicles: make sure the opposite lane is clear and there is no oncoming traffic.
   • Road users overtaking or signally right: do not overtake when other road users are overtaking or intend to overtake. Do not follow an overtaking vehicle, otherwise, there may not be enough room for the manoeuvre and your visibility may be affected.
   • Traffic queue ahead: will there be space to rejoin the
   • Cyclist & motorcyclist: check for cyclists & motorcyclists on your mirror & blind spot.
2. Have clear visibility: make sure your visibility is clear and there are no obstructions i.e. sharp bends, dips, crest, uphill, hump bridge and junction (especially closed junctions), poor weather (i.e. fog or rain)
3. Make sure there is no potential hazard ahead: do not overtake when there is potential hazard ahead i.e.junctions (unexpected vehicles may turn in, require slowing down & have poor visibility), narrow roads ahead, roadworks, hump bridges and crossings i.e. traffic lights, school crossings and levelled crossings.

4. Do you have enough space to overtake:

• Make sure there is enough space ahead (around 100 meters).
• Do not overtake when there’s a narrow road ahead or near corners.
• Make sure there is a suitable gap in front of the vehicle in front you intend to overtake.

How to overtake:

(i) General routine:

The routine involves a preparational safety check and the MSM routine.

Stage 1 – Preparation (safety check):

1. Check & Position: Do a mirror check before moving to a position that gives the best view ahead.
   • Maintain a 2-second distance behind the vehicle in front for a better view and a safe distance for braking.
   • Where to be positioned on the lane: (i) Straight road: be positioned right on the lane. (ii) road with left gentle bend: be positioned centre/right on the lane. (iii) road with right gentle bend: be positioned left on the lane
2. Speed: match the speed of the vehicle you intend to overtake and choose the right gear. Ideally, we should complete the overtaking without the need for further gear change.
3. Check, Decision & Plan:
   • Before we overtake, we need to assess the situation and whether it is safe to overtake. We look ahead, check the (centre & relevant side) mirrors & blind spot first.
   • Assess whether it is worth it (speed limit, traffic queue), looking at road signs & markings, other road users (oncoming traffic & anybody overtaking), visibility (bends, hills etc…), any potential hazard ahead (i.e. junctions, crossings etc…)
   • Plan: is there enough safe to do the manoeuvre?

Stage 2 – Overtaking with MSM routine:

1. Drop back slightly & Signal: Once you are certain it is safe to begin overtaking, drop back slightly and signal your intent. This let the road users know you intention to overtake in advance.
2. Final Check: check the (centre & relevant side) mirrors and blind spot. Check for any cyclists, motorcyclists and vehicles that are overtaking or intend to overtake. If there are any, abort the manoeuver and try again later.
3. Manoeuver (change lane, accelerate & return): Be ensure to overtake promptly because indecisiveness can put us in danger. The manoeuvre should be done quickly and in a controlled way, as you want to minimalise your time on the opposite lane (right lane). Follow these steps:
   • a. Move to opposite lane: Smoothly steer into the opposite lane (do not swerve out abruptly)
   • b.  Accelerate: Then accelerate to pass the vehicle (expect to increase speed to at least 10mph). Once you are levelled with the vehicle, you can often reduce power and let the momentum carry you to complete the manoeuvre. Do not surpass the speed limit of the road.
   • c. Return to lane: Check the mirrors to see that you have fully passed the vehicle and return to the correct lane. Don’t cut the vehicle you’ve overtaken. It is not a requirement to signal when you return back to the lane but do so if you feel it will help others.
   • d. Turn off the signal: turn off your signal when you finish your manoeuvre.

(ii) How to overtake cyclists:

Overtake cyclists with the same routine (see above) as you would overtake with other vehicles.

• Give plenty of room when passing a cyclist: Give cyclist at least 1.5 meters at speed of up to 30mph and give more space at higher speed. Give the same room as you would as you drive past a car. This will ensure there is a safety gap in case the cyclist were to accidentally swerve as a result of a pothole, wind etc…
• Avoid cutting them when returning to the lane.

(iii) How to overtake Horse riders:

When overtaking horse riders, do so at a much slower speed and quietly. Turn down the volume of the speakers, do not rev the engine, do not honk your horn, and do not speed up quickly behind them as all these things can spook the horse and cause an accident.

(iv) How to overtake large vehicles:

If possible avoid overtaking large vehicles, especially on dangerous high-speed single-lane country roads or single-carriageways. It is better to wait for the next safe opportunity to overtake i.e. extra lane, dual carriageway or motorway. The opportunity will be very regular so it is not worth the risk.

• Overtake the vehicle as you would with the routine above (preparational safety check and the MSM routine).
• Understand the features of large vehicles: it has a different national speed limit, it has no centre mirror and it has a big blind spot.
• Drop back so you’ll get a bigger field of vision and the vehicle may have a better view of you from their side mirrors.
• You can position yourself for a better view.
• May drop lower gear to accelerate around it.
• Only overtake when you have enough time to get past the vehicle.

Again, I would say it is not worth overtaking vehicles and it is better to wait for the next safe opportunity to overtake i.e. extra lane, dual carriageway or motorway.

(v) How to overtake on a country road:

Overtaking on country roads will be more dangerous than overtaking on urban areas because collision at a higher speed limit of 60mph will lead to a fatal accident. Before deciding to overtake, assess whether it is worth doing so. Make sure you carry a preparational safety check first as listed above before manoeuvring.    

Scenarios:

(i) Should I signal when overtaking near a junction?

(???) 

(ii) Is it OK to overtake more than one vehicle:

It is not advisable to overtake more than one vehicle on a two-way road unless it is necessary because the manoeuvre is risky. However, are you to manoeuvre when it is safe to do so, follow these conditions:

• The opposite side of the road is sufficiently clear to safely overtake
• There‘s a suitable gap in front of the vehicles you plan to overtake
• You have a clear view ahead of you
• A road user behind isn’t attempting to overtake you

What to do when somebody is overtaking you:

• When being overtaken, try to keep both your course and speed consistent.
• If necessary, you may slow down, but driving erratically or speeding up can seriously jeopardise the overtaking driver, as they have judged it safe to manoeuvre how you were driving before they began to pass you.
• When you’ve been overtaken, you may need to slow down to maintain an appropriate gap (2 seconds)—you don’t want to end up accidentally tailgating them.

You can read more about overtaking here.

b) Overtaking on a one-way road:

Overtaking on a one-way road will be safer than on a two-way road as there won’t be oncoming traffic to deal with, although you should still be on guard.

Rules:

• You should choose a lane based on the direction you’re travelling, rather than speed.
• You can overtake on either left or right. Overtaking on the left is called undertaking.

Routine:

This involves an MSM routine. 

Common mistakes:

• Overtaking without clear visibility: make sure you see the road ahead clearly.
• Not sticking with the speed limit:
• Not using your signal:

 

c) Overtaking on a dual carriageway & motorway:

Rules:

You follow the rules of changing lanes as stated above.

• Only change lanes  when it is necessary and worth it because we want to minimise the risky manoeuvre as much as possible.
• An unsafe lane change is when you end up forcing other road users to brake harshly or change lanes in order to avoid colliding with you. The act of you changing lanes should not affect the flow of traffic or endanger other road users.
• The right lane is for overtaking. Return to the left lane after overtaking.
• Do not undertake (overtaking on the left lane). The exception is when the right lane is congested and the left is moving at a faster speed, the left if the vehicle in front is signalling to turn right (???) or when  instructed by the road markings and signs.
• Make sure there is a safe distance between the vehicles ahead and behind you. Keep at least 2 second gap in dry road and at least 4 seconds gap in wet road.
• Only change lanes when the vehicle behind is not accelerating towards you and is at a safe distance.
• Don’t change lanes when the lane line is solid – unless for an emergency or an exceptional circumstance.
• Don’t change lanes 15m before a pedestrian crossing
• Don’t change lanes on curves on high speed, especially in wet or snowy road conditions.

Skill sets to develop:

See the “skill sets to develop”  for the “changing lanes” section above.

What to consider before overtaking:

Here are things to consider before overtaking:

• Is the time you save worth doing a risky manoeuvre?
• If you are going to exit shortly and you are already on the correct lane, then there is no point of overtaking and you may be stuck on the right lane and miss your exit.

What to look out for when overtaking:

• Also, make sure that there is a safe distance with the vehicle ahead of you.
• Be careful of vehicle that is 2 lanes away that may want to also move to the same lane as you. Assess their signal and position.

How to overtake:

Overtaking is technically changing lanes twice using the MSM routine. First time is to move to the right lane to overtake and the second time is to return to the left lane.

Step 1: First MSM to overtake

1. Check: Check the centre mirror, relevant mirror, and blind spot. Here is what to look out for:
   • Assess the speed and position of other vehicles.
   • Also, include vehicles that are 2 lanes away to avoid changing to the same lanes.
2. Signal: When it is safe to change lane, signal right. Give a few seconds before changing lane so that other drivers will know your intention to change lane and can prepare for it. Even indicate when you don’t see anyone as there may be a road user on our blind spot and it is a good habit to keep.
3. Final check: Check the centre mirror, side mirror & blind spot.
4. Manoeuvre (change lane, cancel signal & adjust speed):
   • Change lane: maintain speed and steer smoothly (gradually & diagonally) to the other lane. Don’t abruptly swerve the car as you may lose control and it can surprise others. Avoid accelerating when changing lanes unless it is necessary in an emergency.
   • Cancel the signal: don’t leave it on otherwise you will mislead others, especially when there is a junction nearby.
   • Adjust speed: increase speed on the overtaking lane and drive pass the vehicle we want to overtake.

Step 2: Second MSM routine to return to left lane

1. Check: Check the centre mirror, side mirror and blind spot. Only when we see the vehicle we had overtaken in our centre mirror, prepare to return to the left lane when it is safe. Also, check that it is safe to return back to your lane.
2. Signal: Signal left and give a few seconds before the manoeuver to give time for the road users to see and prepare.
3. Final check: Check the centre mirror, side mirror & blind spot.
4. Manoeuvre:
   • Change lane: maintain speed and steer smoothly (gradually & diagonally) to the other lane. Don’t abruptly swerve the car as you may lose control and it can surprise others. Avoid accelerating when changing lanes unless it is necessary in an emergency.
   • Cancel the signal: don’t leave it on otherwise you will mislead others, especially when there is a junction nearby.
   • Adjust speed: increase speed on the overtaking lane and drive past the vehicle we want to overtake.

 

d) Overtaking at night time:

Don’t be tempted to put your full beams on to make yourself more visible as this will only dazzle other road users. If you are being overtaken, leave your headlights on full beam until the driver behind is alongside you as this will help them to overtake you safely.

 

d) Tips:

Here are tips:

• Consider factors affecting the acceleration: Consider factors that can affect the acceleration rate i.e. extra weight (passengers,  luggage), going uphill or road conditions (wet, muddy or snow).
• Be careful when overtaking at night: it may be difficult to judge the speed and position of other road users.