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Difficulty: MediumLane Discipline

When overtaking a continuous stream of slower-moving vehicles on a motorway, you must pull into the left-hand lane between each vehicle, regardless of whether the gap allows a safe separation distance.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False. When overtaking a continuous line of slower vehicles, you should remain in the overtaking lane until you have safely passed them, rather than cutting into small gaps that compromise safe separation distances.
The statement is false because drivers are not expected to weave in and out of narrow gaps between vehicles. While the primary rule is to keep left when the road ahead is clear, Highway Code Rule 264 explicitly permits remaining in the overtaking lane while passing a continuous stream of slower vehicles until a safe, substantial gap is reached.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the relevant motorway lane discipline rules for overtaking multiple vehicles
Highway Code Rule 264 advises drivers to stay in the left-hand lane when the road is clear, but permits remaining in an overtaking lane when passing a series of slower vehicles.
This prevents erratic lane changes and maintains steady, predictable traffic flow.
2
Assess the safety risk of pulling into inadequate gaps
Entering narrow gaps between slower vehicles compromises the required two-second separation distance and forces unnecessary braking.
Maintaining adequate safety margins is essential on high-speed roads.
3
Determine the truth value of the statement
The statement asserts that a driver must pull into every gap regardless of safety margin, which directly contradicts safe driving practice and official guidance.
The statement is therefore False.

Key Concept

Motorway lane discipline during multiple overtakes
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Lane Discipline

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