Driving safely on UK roads requires a solid understanding of overtaking and undertaking. Knowing when and how to overtake or undertake safely isn’t just about avoiding fines – it’s about keeping yourself and others safe. In this guide, we break down the Highway Code rules on these manoeuvres, highlight common mistakes, and share tips to help you drive with confidence.
What is overtaking?
Overtaking is when you move past another vehicle travelling in the same direction. On UK roads, overtaking should be done on the right unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise. This manoeuvre is common on dual carriageways, motorways, and rural roads where slower-moving traffic can create hold-ups.
When is overtaking allowed?
According to the Highway Code, you can overtake when:
- The road is clear ahead, and you have a good view of oncoming traffic
- You won’t exceed the speed limit while overtaking
- There are no road signs or markings prohibiting overtaking
- The vehicle you’re overtaking is not already signalling to turn right
- It’s safe to return to your lane without forcing another driver to slow down
When is overtaking illegal?
Overtaking is illegal and dangerous when:
- You approach a bend, hill, or area with limited visibility
- You are at a pedestrian crossing, junction, or level crossing
- Traffic lights are red or about to change
- The vehicle in front is already overtaking another car
What is undertaking?
Undertaking is when you pass another vehicle on the left (curb side). In the UK, undertaking is generally discouraged and, in some cases, illegal.
When is undertaking allowed?
The Highway Code states that you can only undertake when:
- Traffic is moving in slow lanes on a motorway or dual carriageway, and your lane is moving faster than the right-hand lane
- A vehicle is waiting to turn right, and you can safely pass on the left
- You are on a one-way street where lanes allow overtaking on either side
When is undertaking illegal?
Undertaking is not allowed in the circumstances below:
- You deliberately swerve between lanes to overtake multiple vehicles
- You are in a normal traffic flow where vehicles should overtake on the rightÂ
- You force another driver to slow down or change lanes unexpectedly
How to safely overtake cyclists and large vehicles
Cyclists and large vehicles require extra care when overtaking:
When overtaking cyclists, the Highway Code advises that you leave at least 1.5 metres between your vehicle and the bike. Avoid overtaking if you can’t leave enough space.
When overtaking large vehicles, such as lorries or buses, these vehicles have bigger blind spots. Make sure the driver can see you before overtaking and allow extra time to pass.
Overtaking and undertaking on motorways
On motorways, overtaking should always be done on the right. However, due to lane congestion, it’s common for the left lane to move faster than the right. In this case, the Highway Code allows vehicles to continue at the speed without needing to change lanes unnecessarily – this is not considered a dangerous undertaking.
Understanding overtaking and undertaking rules is vital for your safety and smoother journeys. Always follow the Highway Code, be patient, and only overtake when it’s legal and safe.
Get learner driver insurance to practise manoeuvres
There’s no better way to gain confidence on the road with plenty of hands-on practise. At Adrian Flux, we offer flexible learner driver insurance from just 65p a day.
