What are the standard procedures for overtaking?
3 Answers
The standard procedures for overtaking include: overtaking should only be done from the left side. Before overtaking, the left turn signal should be activated in advance, and the traffic conditions on the left and rear should be observed to determine if overtaking is feasible. After confirming safety, overtake the vehicle ahead, but do not immediately steer to the right after overtaking. Instead, wait until a necessary safe distance is maintained from the overtaken vehicle before activating the right turn signal and returning to the original lane. Safe overtaking distance: After confirming that the vehicle ahead yields or signals to yield, steer to the left and maintain a certain lateral distance from the overtaken vehicle. After accelerating past from the left, continue driving straight. Once a safe distance of 20 to 50 meters is maintained from the overtaken vehicle, activate the right turn signal and return to the original lane. This overtaking technique ensures safety. Overtaking conditions: Before overtaking, the driver should fully understand the acceleration performance of the vehicle. Ensure that the horn, turn signals, and other components are functioning properly. Choose a straight and wide road with good visibility, no obstacles on either side, and no oncoming traffic within 150 meters ahead. Avoid overtaking blindly without considering subjective and objective conditions, especially at intersections, steep slopes, sharp curves, or other hazardous sections, or during adverse weather conditions such as rain or fog. Overtaking is strictly prohibited when the vehicle ahead signals a left turn, U-turn, or is in the process of overtaking another vehicle.
I've been driving for many years, and overtaking is something that really needs to be done by the rules to avoid trouble. The first step is to check the rearview mirror to confirm a safe distance from the car behind, then scan the blind spots with your eyes—never forget to turn your head and check if there's a hidden car on the side. Then decisively turn on the turn signal, flashing it for two or three seconds to let others know what you're planning to do, and proceed smoothly without rushing. When the opportunity arises, step on the accelerator to speed up and overtake, making sure the maneuver is crisp and clean while maintaining a steady speed within the limit—no dragging or speeding. After overtaking, quickly turn off the signal and gradually merge back into the original lane, keeping an eye on whether the car behind is catching up. Especially when driving in the rain or at night, with slippery roads and poor visibility, extra caution is needed—leave double the safe distance. I once almost got into a scrape because I didn’t check the blind spot, and since then, I’ve learned my lesson, making it a habit to overtake only on less busy stretches of road. Safety comes first—don’t risk forcing an overtake just to save a little time, as that can easily lead to serious trouble.
As a driving instructor, I always emphasize the core steps of overtaking to build a solid foundation for beginners. First, conduct a comprehensive observation of the surroundings, checking the rearview mirror and side blind spots to ensure no vehicles are approaching from behind or the opposite direction. Second, activate the turn signal to clearly communicate your intention, giving following vehicles time to react. Third, accelerate smoothly and confidently to overtake, completing the maneuver swiftly in dashed-line sections where overtaking is permitted, avoiding hesitation or prolonging the action. After overtaking, immediately reset by turning off the signal and smoothly returning to the original lane. Common mistakes include neglecting blind spots or rushing without signaling, which can easily lead to accidents—correct these through simulated practice on open roads. Additionally, adapt to road conditions: increase anticipation distance in rain or snow, or choose straight road sections to minimize risks. Beginners should avoid rushing to overtake and instead accumulate more experience for safety.
