DKT- Never overtake over double continuous white lines or a continuous line closest to you.
- Never exceed the speed limit while overtaking.
- Do not overtake a vehicle stopped at a pedestrian or children's crossing.
- If you are being overtaken, you must not speed up.
Check the lines first
| Centre marking | Overtaking |
|---|---|
| Broken line | Allowed only if it is safe and the road ahead is clear. |
| Single continuous line | Not allowed. |
| Double continuous lines | Not allowed. |
| Two lines, continuous one closest to you | Not allowed. |
| Two lines, broken one closest to you | Allowed if it is safe and the road ahead is clear. |
You may cross a continuous line briefly to pass a bicycle rider, but only if the road ahead is clear and it is safe. See road markings.
Steps for overtaking on a two-way road
- Make sure you have a clear view of oncoming traffic and enough space. It is hard to judge the speed of approaching vehicles.
- Check that the vehicle in front or behind is not also pulling out.
- Do a head check and use your right indicator.
- Judge the length of what you are passing. Some heavy vehicles are very long.
- Accelerate, but never beyond the speed limit.
- Return to your lane only when you are a safe distance past. Seeing both of the other vehicle's headlights in your mirror is one sign.
- Indicate left when it is safe to return.
If you are not sure, wait. A few seconds could save your life. If in doubt, do not pull out.
Which side to pass on
- With no lane markings, pass on the right. Do not overtake a moving vehicle on the left unless it is turning right (or making a U-turn from the centre of the road) with its right indicator on.
- With marked lanes, you may pass in the left lane, but remember the driver you pass is less likely to see you.
Where not to overtake
Do not pull out when your view is blocked by a hill or curve. Intersections, railway crossings, shopping centre entrances and pedestrian crossings are never good places to overtake. Never overtake if the road is not wide enough to stay completely on the sealed part, unless you are at low speed.
Passing bicycle riders
The same overtaking rules apply. Leave at least 1 metre on roads up to 60 km/h and at least 1.5 metres above 60 km/h. See sharing the road with bicycle riders.
Based on the Victorian Road to Solo Driving handbook and the VicRoads learner and probationary pages. Rules change from time to time, so check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest.
Quick answers
Can you overtake on the left in Victoria?
On a road with marked lanes you may pass in the left lane. With no lane markings you may overtake a moving vehicle on the left only if it is turning right, or making a U-turn from the centre, with its right indicator flashing.
Can you cross double white lines to overtake in Victoria?
No. You cannot overtake over double continuous lines, or over two lines where the continuous one is closest to you. A brief crossing is allowed only to pass a bicycle rider when it is clear and safe.