Overtaking and lane changes

Plan, communicate and keep margins.

Overview

Key rules

  • Only overtake when you can complete safely
  • Keep sufficient side and forward distance
  • Signal early; check mirrors and blind spots
  • No overtaking before/at pedestrian crossings, in poor sight, or where prohibited

Procedure Side distance to cyclists

Motorways

Motorway lane change

  • Keep right; overtake on the left
  • Match speed to flow, then return right

Winter and low grip

Winter

  • Longer stopping distances; increase gaps
  • Avoid sudden steering/braking

Common mistakes

Typical errors

  • Starting too late, cutting in, forgetting blind‑spot check