Safe Overtaking

Safe Overtaking

Overtaking an other vehicle is something most learner drivers are not keen to do.It takes some practice to develop the skill and confidence to complete an overtaking manoeuvre quickly and safely.
It is better to start by learning to pass vehicles moving much slower than yours, such as tractors or heavy goods vehicles,before trying to overtake other cars.It also helps to learn overtaking on a dual carriageway,where you don`t have to deal with oncoming traffic.
Firstly,you should ask yourself,is it necessary to overtake?In other words,will you gain much from passing the other vehicle?
Many times I have been overtaken by a vehicle only to have to use my brakes as the car pulls back in front of me and immediately slows down to make a left or right turn!What was the point of that?
It is most important to leave a reasonable gap between you and the vehicle you are going to overtake.This enables you to see oncoming vehicles from far away and also allows you room to build up your speed to make the manouvre quickly and get back on the correct side of the road.
I see many experienced drivers who try to overtake when they are nose to tail with the car infront and therefore cannot safely see if there is oncoming traffic.
Having checked both oncoming traffic and traffic behind you,you should indicate your intention by signalling,select a gear that will give you enough acceleration to overtake briskly(that may mean changing down a gear), and then move out onto the opposite lane.Having passed the other vehicle,check your rear view mirror,signal again where necessary and move back into your lane.
Checking your mirror before moving back into your lane is very important.Many drivers do not do that and begin moving back into their lane when still only half way past the car they are overtaking!
A few years ago,I was side-swiped by an overtaking car whilst doing a lesson and the other driver didn`t even realise that she had hit us!
Remember,when you are being overtaken to back off the accelerator a little as the other car draws alongside you to assist the overtaking manoeuvre.
As with all manoeuvres,if you are in doubt about whether it is safe to overtake, best not to attempt it,as you will probably be hesitant.