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Question

Difficulty: HardCyclists

A driver is following a cyclist on a 30 mph single carriageway road and prepares to overtake safely. What is the correct sequence of actions the driver must take from start to finish according to the Highway Code?

  1. 1Drop back to increase forward sightlines and establish a safe following buffer behind the cyclist.
  2. 2Check all relevant mirrors and confirm that the oncoming lane is clear of approaching traffic and upcoming hazards.
  3. 3Signal right if needed to alert other road users and steer smoothly into the oncoming lane.
  4. 4Pass the cyclist while maintaining at least 1.5 metres of lateral clearance at speeds up to 30 mph.
  5. 5Check interior and nearside door mirrors, returning to the left-hand lane only when the cyclist is fully visible.

Answer

The correct chronological sequence is: (1) Drop back to increase forward sightlines and establish a safe following buffer, (2) Check all relevant mirrors and confirm that the oncoming lane is clear of approaching traffic and upcoming hazards, (3) Signal right if needed and steer smoothly into the oncoming lane, (4) Pass the cyclist while maintaining at least 1.5 metres of lateral clearance, and (5) Check interior and nearside door mirrors, returning to the left-hand lane only when the cyclist is fully visible.
According to the Highway Code (Rule 163), overtaking a vulnerable road user requires careful preparation, clear sightlines, full mirror observation, generous lateral clearance (at least 1.5 metres at 30 mph), and thorough mirror confirmation before returning to the driving lane. Dropping back first ensures comprehensive visibility before checking mirrors and crossing the centre line.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Increase separation distance behind the cyclist before committing to an overtake.
Forward visibility expands significantly past the cyclist, allowing a complete view of the road ahead.
Following too closely creates a blind zone ahead and restricts reaction time if the cyclist needs to swerve around a drain cover or pothole.
2
Perform mirror checks (interior and right door mirror) and scan the oncoming lane, side junctions, and pedestrian crossings.
The driver confirms no vehicle is overtaking from behind and the entire manoeuvre envelope is clear.
An overtake must only be initiated when the driver is certain the opposing lane will remain clear for the duration of the pass.
3
Apply a right signal if beneficial to road users behind or ahead, then move across into the overtaking lane.
The vehicle establishes an overtaking trajectory well before pulling level with the cyclist.
Moving out early avoids surprising the cyclist with sudden lateral vehicle displacement or air turbulence.
4
Drive past the cyclist, maintaining steady speed and leaving a minimum of 1.5 metres of clearance.
The cyclist is given ample safety margin in compliance with Highway Code Rule 163.
Cyclists may need to alter course suddenly due to wind gusts, road surface defects, or car door zones; 1.5 metres provides a crucial safety envelope.
5
Check rear-view and left door mirrors before steering smoothly back into the left lane.
The vehicle returns to its normal road position without cutting in front of the cyclist.
Returning too early risks clipping the cyclist's front wheel or forcing them to brake sharply.

Key Concept

Highway Code safe overtaking procedures and mandatory minimum passing clearances for cyclists
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Cyclists

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