How to Overtake Safely on the Road: Tips for New Drivers

If you’re a new driver who has recently passed their test, it’s likely that you’re still getting to grips with life behind the wheel. While everyone is different, it’ll typically take any new driver a couple of months to become comfortable driving independently and it’s completely normal to feel nervous about all kinds of driving functions that you’re not used to doing on a regular basis.  

One of the most daunting things you’re likely to attempt as a new driver is overtaking. Overtaking is the process of passing another motorist who is moving slowly and travelling in the same direction as you. Usually, this will be a road user who is in a slower vehicle, such as a large lorry, truck or tractor. It could also be a cyclist, horse rider or any other kind of slow moving motorist. 

While overtaking is by no means an unusual manoeuvre, if not performed correctly it can be extremely dangerous. 

In this article, the team at The Windscreen Company will outline some help and advice, providing new drivers with the best tips for how to overtake safely when out on the road.    

When not to overtake 

Before we provide you with tips on the safest ways to overtake, it’s important to understand the circumstances when you should not overtake. 

First and foremost, there are certain roads where overtaking is illegal. Typically this is on single-lane roads, and there will be road signs to inform you when this is the case.

You should also never overtake when:

• The weather conditions are poor such as rain or fog where your view of the road is obscured.
• You don’t have a clear view of the road such as bends, hump bridges or the brow of hills.
• Approaching potential hazards namely roadworks, junctions, school crossings, level crossings and more. 
• If the vehicle in front of you is indicating right. 

Utilise your mirrors 

Your mirrors are one of your car’s key components, and you should be utilising them every time you drive anywhere. When it comes to overtaking, they’re vital and you should use them to check the road ahead of you is clear. Plus, you should be sure to check ahead of you in the oncoming lane, blind spots and behind you before conducting an overtaking manoeuvre.  

Consider your car’s performance 

The more you drive your car, the more you’ll get used to it and how it feels to drive. This will mean you have a good idea of how it can perform when overtaking, but be sure to factor in the context of your journey. If your car is carrying more weight than usual, such as carrying passengers or luggage, it won’t be able to perform exactly the same as usual so be sure to consider this before attempting an overtake.  

Accelerate assertively 

You’ll want to complete the overtake as quickly as possible, while still remaining safe. Once you’ve committed to the overtake, don’t be tentative. One of the most dangerous things you can do is try to pull out of the manoeuvre midway through, so be sure to accelerate assertively and confidently to get the move done as quickly as you can. 

How to overtake a cyclist 

Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users you’re likely to encounter, so when overtaking it’s important to leave plenty of space. Provide more space than you would with a car and, as with any overtaking manoeuvre, only attempt the move when it’s safe to do so. 

How to overtake a horse rider

Likewise, horse riders must be approached with great care when overtaking. You should be much slower when overtaking horses and provide more room than if overtaking a car. This is so as not to spook the horse and inadvertently cause an accident which could be a hazard to you, the horse rider and other road users. It’s worth turning your car’s radio down or off and you should also avoid honking your horn and revving the engine

Don’t follow other vehicles to overtake 

Sometimes, following another vehicle that is attempting an overtake might seem like the best of both worlds. The car ahead has made the decision that overtaking is safe and you can simply follow on through. However, this should be avoided at all costs. 

Just because it’s safe for one vehicle to overtake, does not mean that there is enough space or time for two and you should always make the judgment yourself. As well as this, you’re unlikely to have a clear view of the road ahead if following the car in front.  

Assess the speed of the vehicle ahead

When overtaking, you should always be monitoring the speed of the car you’re looking to get in front of. Just because it was driving slowly when you started thinking about an overtake, it doesn’t mean it’s continued at that speed. If it has begun driving to an acceptable speed, then don’t try overtaking just for the sake of it.

Never speed to overtake 

While a little acceleration is required to overtake a vehicle, if it requires you to break the speed limit then you should never do it. Speeding is breaking the law, even if you’re doing so to get past a vehicle, and if speeding is required to complete an overtake then it’s probably not necessary in the first place. 

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At The Windscreen Company, we provide leading windscreen repair and windscreen replacement services to customers across the West Midlands and South East. No matter what kind of vehicle you drive, our dedicated team strives to get you back on the road as soon as possible. Plus, we aim to assist our customers in every area of driving so check out our money saving driving tips and ADAS guide, too. Contact us today to find out more. 

The Windscreen Company

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The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.

The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.

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