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Difficulty: MediumOvertaking Rules

You are following a large goods vehicle on a single-carriageway road and intend to overtake. Why should you stay well back from the vehicle ahead before starting the manoeuvre?

  1. A
    To position your vehicle within the driver's blind spot until you are ready to pull out
  2. To obtain a clearer view of the road ahead and ensure the driver can see you in their mirrorsAnswer
  3. C
    To give yourself space to flash your headlights to demand that the driver pulls over
  4. D
    To build up speed so you can move out into the oncoming lane without checking your blind spot

Answer

To obtain a clearer view of the road ahead and ensure the driver can see you in their mirrors
Staying well back behind a large goods vehicle expands your forward field of vision, allowing you to see oncoming traffic, road markings, bends, and hazards much earlier. It also positions your car within the field of view of the lorry driver's exterior mirrors so they are fully aware of your presence before you commence overtaking.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the forward visibility restriction caused by the large goods vehicle
Recognise that following too closely blocks your view of oncoming traffic, road bends, dips, and potential hazards
Large vehicles obstruct a significant portion of forward vision on single-carriageway roads
2
Apply Highway Code Rule 164 regarding following distance and mirror visibility
Drop back to an appropriate distance where forward sightlines open up and you can see both of the lorry's exterior side mirrors
Staying back ensures both safe forward anticipation and mutual visibility between you and the lorry driver

Key Concept

Highway Code Rule 164 specifies that when preparing to overtake a large vehicle, you should stay well back to gain a better view of the road ahead and ensure the driver can see your vehicle in their mirrors.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Overtaking Rules

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