How to Overtake in Subject 3 Driving Test?

[Ariana]

Turn on the left turn signal and carefully observe the traffic conditions around the vehicle, especially the driving situation on the left rear. While ensuring not to hinder the normal driving of other vehicles, maintain a safe distance of 1 to 1.5 meters from the vehicle in front and overtake from the left side. Turn on the right turn signal, slightly steer the wheel to the right to return to the original lane without affecting the normal driving of the overtaken vehicle, then turn off the turn signal.

[AlexandraRose]

When performing an overtaking maneuver during the Driving Test Part 3, I recommend following these steps to ensure safety and compliance. First, observe the surrounding traffic: glance at your rearview mirror, and especially turn your head to check the rear window and blind spots for any rapidly approaching vehicles. Once you confirm it's safe, activate the left turn signal for 2-3 seconds to alert others. Then accelerate smoothly to overtake—avoid sudden throttle inputs that might startle the examiner—while maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. After completing the pass, immediately signal right to return to your original lane, then deactivate the signal and resume steady driving. During practice, I often remind students that this maneuver tests attentiveness and reflexes; cutting corners (like skipping blind spot checks) means instant failure. Rehearse repeatedly on empty roads until it becomes second nature. Remember, the test aims to cultivate safe driving habits—don’t rush just to finish. Though overtaking seems minor, it’s packed with critical deductions (e.g., delayed signaling or speeding). Staying calm is key.

[MacAriana]

I still remember when I was learning to drive and taking the Subject 3 test, the overtaking part made me nervous. My instructor told me to practice simulations more often, starting on straight roads: check the rearview mirror, make sure there are no cars behind, then turn on the left signal, smoothly accelerate to overtake without going too fast to avoid making the examiner nervous. After overtaking, return to the original lane and remember to keep the right turn signal on for a few seconds. During the test, my hands were shaking from nervousness, but I followed the steps and passed on the first try. I suggest you practice more with your instructor in the training area—like me, I found that starting and overtaking are prone to mistakes, such as forgetting to signal and losing points. Overall, it's not about speed but about following the rules; after practicing eight or ten times, you'll get the hang of it. Maintain a safe distance of one or two meters, and keep the steering wheel steady when returning to the lane. Simulate the test environment more often, and you won’t panic if you have a clear idea in mind.

[McCamila]

The overtaking maneuver in Subject 3 mainly assesses standardized operations, with clear evaluation points from the examiner: You must first thoroughly check the rear vehicles, including blind spots, before initiating the overtaking. Using turn signals is crucial—the left signal must be activated for at least three seconds in advance, and do not exceed the speed limit of the overtaking lane during the maneuver. After completion, promptly activate the right signal to return, ensuring the entire action is smooth and efficient. Maintain a safe distance to avoid sudden braking or sharp turns. Common mistakes during the test, such as forgetting or interrupting the turn signal, will result in immediate disqualification. During practice, find a partner to observe and correct you, focusing on strengthening the fundamentals.

[CollinDella]

When I first practiced overtaking in Subject 3, I kept making mistakes like forgetting to signal or accelerating too aggressively, which caused me to fail the mock test. Later, I adjusted my approach: slow down first to confirm road conditions, turn on the left signal for enough time, then gently press the accelerator to overtake, controlling the speed to be just slightly faster than the car in front. After overtaking, don’t rush to return—keep driving for a while before signaling right to merge back. Most mistakes came from carelessness, like not checking blind spots thoroughly or keeping too close to other cars, which led to immediate deductions by the examiner. Through repeated practice, I finally developed the habit. I recommend starting with short road tests and practicing multiple times to avoid panic during the actual exam. The key is to accumulate standardized actions step by step—don’t rush for quick results, as safety should always be the core focus.