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Difficulty: MediumOvertaking Rules

While driving at 30 mph on a residential street, you catch up to a cyclist riding ahead. The road ahead has oncoming traffic and parked vehicles on both sides. In which order should you carry out the actions to overtake the cyclist safely in accordance with Highway Code Rule 163?

  1. 1Drop back to maintain a generous following distance and check your mirrors for following vehicles.
  2. 2Wait patiently until oncoming traffic is clear and you have a wide, unobstructed gap ahead.
  3. 3Signal right if necessary to clearly communicate your intention to pull out to other road users.
  4. 4Move out smoothly, passing the cyclist with at least 1.5 metres of clearance at a controlled speed.
  5. 5Check your interior mirror to confirm the cyclist is safely behind before returning smoothly to the left.

Answer

The correct procedural order is: drop back and check mirrors, wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic, signal right if needed, pass the cyclist allowing at least 1.5 metres of clearance, and check the interior mirror before returning left.
The correct sequence adheres strictly to the Mirrors-Signal-Manoeuvre (MSM) routine and Highway Code Rule 163. A driver must first drop back to optimize forward visibility and check mirrors, wait for a safe gap without oncoming hazards, signal intent if appropriate, pass leaving at least 1.5 metres of room, and check the interior mirror before returning to the left.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Drop back to a safe following distance and observe mirrors.
You obtain a wider forward view around the cyclist and confirm what is behind your vehicle.
Maintaining adequate distance prevents crowding the cyclist and maximizes forward vision.
2
Assess the oncoming road space and wait for a clear opening.
You identify a safe window where no oncoming vehicles or road narrowings will conflict with the pass.
Overtaking must only begin when the entire manoeuvre can be executed safely.
3
Apply the right-turn indicator if required.
Other road users are clearly alerted to your intended path.
Clear communication prevents following drivers from attempting to overtake you at the same time.
4
Steer smoothly into the overtaking lane, giving at least 1.5 metres of clearance.
The cyclist is passed safely without being buffeted by wind or crowded towards the kerb.
Highway Code Rule 163 mandates at least 1.5 metres clearance when passing cyclists at 30 mph.
5
Check the interior rear-view mirror and steer back into the left-hand lane.
The vehicle returns to its normal driving line with ample safety margins.
Verifying the cyclist's position in the interior mirror prevents cutting in too closely in front of them.

Key Concept

Highway Code Rule 163 overtaking sequence and vulnerable road user clearance
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Overtaking Rules

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