not get too close to the vehicle you intend to overtake
use your mirrors, signal when it is safe to do so, take a quick sideways glance if necessary into the blind spot area and then start to move out
not assume that you can simply follow a vehicle ahead which is overtaking; there may only be enough room for one vehicle
move quickly past the vehicle you are overtaking, once you have started to overtake. Allow plenty of room. Move back to the left as soon as you can but do not cut in
take extra care at night and in poor visibility when it is harder to judge speed and distance
give way to oncoming vehicles before passing parked vehicles or other obstructions on your side of the road
only overtake on the left if the vehicle in front is signalling to turn right, and there is room to do so
stay in your lane if traffic is moving slowly in queues. If the queue on your right is moving more slowly than you are, you may pass on the left
give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car (see Rules 211 to 213 and 214 to 215)
Remember: Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre
Watch the video below from Chris Boardman explaining how to safely overtake cyclists
Motorists should wait until there is space for them to overtake while giving the cyclist the appropriate amount of room.
You should not try and overtake when another car is coming the other way and you can't leave enough space of at least a car width.
Practice makes perfect, so get plenty of practice from a Approved Driving Instructor.
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