Overtaking

Overtaking is easily and fairly straightforward on the motorway, simply allow yourself lots of space and time. Start your overtake manoeuvre early and well back from the vehicle you wish to pass … the nearer you get, the harder it will be to pull out. This is because you won't have the space in which to build up your speed. If you follow this closely you will have no chance of a safe overtake and the driver of the truck won't be able to see you in his mirrors ...

If this is your normal view before overtaking you are at least 50 metres too close!

Give your signal early and allow it to flash four or five times before starting to move - this will warn drivers behind of your intentions. (As opposed to the normal method adopted by many drivers of putting on the signal after they have started the manoeuvre!).

Check your mirrors and a quick glance in your blind-spot (over your right shoulder) before moving out.

After you have overtaken, and as soon as you can see the overtaken vehicle in your centre mirror, move back to your original lane. Depending upon your position a signal might be useful.

My basic rule for motorway signals is: ‘If in doubt and give a signal’.

For extra safety when overtaking never put yourself into a position where there is no ‘escape route’. For example if you are in lane three overtaking a lorry in lane-two, avoid getting stuck alongside it - make sure that there is plenty of room to pass on get ahead of it before starting to overtake.

In the example on the left, you would have to wait for the white van to move before you started to pass the truck.