Overtaking

On your Driving Lesson you can break down Overtaking into 3 stages:-
1. The Following Position.
2. The Contact Position.
3. The Overtake position.

The Following Position!
Your car should be following the vehicle in front a safe distance from and at a similar speed to it.
You should still be able to stop safely within the distance you see to be clear.
Do not intimidate or pressurise the driver in front of you.
You should be able to see far enough ahead to be able to complete the manoeuvre safely.

The Contact Position!
This is the position you should assume before Overtaking. By planning ahead and observing well in advance you can judge a potential overtaking opportunity. Then by moving forward and leaving approximately 2 or 3 car lengths between you and the vehicle you are about to overtake. Take your time when assuming this position as the risks are much higher. Position your vehicle just left of the centre of the road to give you the best possible view of the road ahead and behind. Only when you are sure the road ahead is clear can you decide to overtake.

The Overtaking Position
Before deciding to overtake, you need to be satisfied that:
1. You can overtake within half the distance that has been checked is free of hazards, including those which may cause the vehicle to alter course unexpectedly?
2.  Is it reasonable to expect the overtake distance to remain free of hazards until the manoeuvre is completed?
3. The vehicle in front is aware of your intentions?
4. The vehicle in front will remain stable?
5. You do or do not need to signal the vehicle in front of your intentions?
6. A signal is or is not required to warn other road users of your intentions.
7. Your signal will not be misinterpreted?
8. You have allowed enough time to increase your vehicle speed correctly?
9. You can and opt out if something changes quickly?
10. If you have any doubt about the situation do not to overtake.
11. The Overtaking speed will depend on the hazards and zones of vision but allow a minimum of 20klms p/hour when Overtaking.

After Overtaking judge your speed and distance before moving back in to the correct position. To misjudge this could cause you to cut in too early or maybe even worse. If required recognition of courtesy to the vehicle you have overtaken for their co-operation is always respected. 

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