When is it permissible to overtake on the left in Australian driving?

When is it permissible to overtake on the left in Australian driving?

• A. You may overtake on the left whenever you have clear space.
• B. Only in residential streets.
• C. When there are multiple lanes traveling in the same direction and it is safe to pass on the left; otherwise do not.
• D. When you are behind a slower vehicle in a single-lane road.

Answer: (C)

Overtaking on the left is allowed only when the road has more than one lane in the same direction and you can pass safely. On multi-lane roads, if a slower vehicle is ahead, you may move into the left lane to pass it, provided there’s clear space, you signal, and there’s enough room to complete the maneuver without cutting in front of others. If there’s only a single lane (or if conditions aren’t safe), you must not overtake on the left. This rule helps keep traffic predictable and reduces the risk of surprises from vehicles turning left or entering from side roads.

Overtaking on the left is allowed only when the road has more than one lane in the same direction and you can pass safely. On multi-lane roads, if a slower vehicle is ahead, you may move into the left lane to pass it, provided there’s clear space, you signal, and there’s enough room to complete the maneuver without cutting in front of others. If there’s only a single lane (or if conditions aren’t safe), you must not overtake on the left. This rule helps keep traffic predictable and reduces the risk of surprises from vehicles turning left or entering from side roads.