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Home / Driving Information / Driving Techniques / Steps for Successful Passing

Steps for Successful Passing

When overtaking an ongoing car, you should:

  • Scan for hazards, e.g., oncoming vehicles, vehicles approaching from rear, merging vehicles;
  • Check for blind spots;
  • Signal your intention and accelerate into passing lane;
  • Accelerate quickly to an appropriate speed;
  • Concentrate on the path ahead;
  • Check the mirror for following cars.

When returning to the lane, do the following:

  • Check the rearview mirror for the front of the car being passed
  • Signal your intention
  • Change lanes and maintain speed
  • Cancel turn signal

When You Shouldn't Pass Someone

Passing is illegal and unsafe in the following conditions:

  • Your line-of-sight is restricted or limited by a curve, hill, or weather conditions, e.g., fog, rain, snow.
  • When space is narrowed, and your front zones are closed.
  • Cross-traffic is present, even if there are no warning signs.
  • When there is a solid yellow line on your side of the roadway.
  • A school bus is loading or unloading children.
  • Attempting to pass a long line of vehicles.
  • A vehicle ahead has indicated an intention to turn or stop.
  • Traffic is too close.
  • If you are unable to complete the pass before reaching the no-passing zone lane marking.
  • The vehicle ahead is at or near the speed limit