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Difficulty: MediumOvertaking Rules

You are following a slow-moving tractor on a clear, straight single-carriageway road and intend to overtake safely. Arrange the following actions in the correct sequential order from first to last.

  1. 1Drop back to an appropriate following distance to increase forward visibility around the tractor
  2. 2Check your interior mirror, right exterior mirror, and right blind spot
  3. 3Signal right to inform road users behind and ahead of your intention to move out
  4. 4Move smoothly into the overtaking lane and accelerate promptly past the tractor
  5. 5Check the interior mirror to confirm the tractor is safely behind before returning to the left lane

Answer

The correct sequence is: drop back to gain a clear view ahead, check mirrors and the blind spot, signal right, accelerate smoothly past the vehicle, and check the interior mirror before returning to the left lane.
According to Highway Code Rules 162 and 163, a safe overtaking procedure begins with dropping back to ensure a clear view of the road ahead. The driver must then check mirrors and the right blind spot to confirm no vehicle is already overtaking from behind, apply the right signal, accelerate smoothly past the vehicle in the oncoming lane, and finally verify adequate clearance in the interior mirror before returning to the left lane.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Increase following distance behind the slow-moving vehicle
Forward sightlines expand, revealing the road ahead and potential hazards
Following too closely behind large or slow vehicles severely restricts forward visibility.
2
Perform full rearward and right blind spot observations
Verification that no following vehicle is already overtaking
Highway Code Rule 162 mandates checking behind and in blind spots before moving out.
3
Apply the right indicator
Clear communication of your intended manoeuvre to surrounding traffic
Signalling alerts others after safety is confirmed and before positioning changes.
4
Steer into the oncoming lane and accelerate past cleanly
The overtaking manoeuvre is completed safely and with minimal exposure time
Prompt acceleration reduces time spent on the opposite side of the road while maintaining safe lateral clearance.
5
Check the interior rear-view mirror and move back to the left
Safe return to the driving lane without cutting across the overtaken vehicle
Confirming the vehicle's position in the central mirror ensures sufficient distance before re-entering the lane.

Key Concept

Highway Code overtaking procedure (Rules 162–163) and the MSM/PSL routine
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Overtaking Rules

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