How to Drive a Car | Passing on a 2 Lane Road
Passing is very dangerous when learning how to drive a car. It is essential you learn to do it safely. The first time it will be a bit “nerve racking” as you will need to move into the opposite lane which is a very uncomfortable place to be – especially for a new driver.
Many crashes happen when cars attempt to pass and the driver has misjudged the speed of the on-coming car or the passing distance required. Other mishaps occur when a car pulls out of an intersection and into your path as you attempt to pass. You can also cause an accident if you pull out to pass without looking to see if the car behind you is passing you at the same time. When driving a car if you are in doubt, WAIT for a time when there is sufficient space and time to pass.
Lane markings on roads help you with judging the distance needed. If the lane marking is a solid line you know you cannot pass because the driver cannot see far enough down the road to know if a car is coming in the opposite direction.
It is rare to pass on city streets. High speed passing is normally found on country roads. As you learn how to drive a car you need to practice passing. You can practice the technique when driving on multilane city streets. You will be passing cars on multilane city streets so you can practice doing it safely. Driving Lesson 17 in the Video Library has more videos on how to pass properly.
The video is funny but as you learn to drive you will not be able to “re-do” a mistake. A mistake when passing usually results in a very bad crash because vehicles are moving faster. Learning how to drive a car is learning to make the proper judgement calls.
Passing is usually done because drivers are in a hurry to get somewhere. You need to balance priorities and risks. If the road has dashed lines, is straight and flat with no intersections and no cars and the car ahead is travelling well under the speed limit…..the risk of passing is lower.
Don’t take risks …. your life may depend on it.
Here are some tips:
Passing is a tricky maneuver. NEVER attempt to pass if you aren’t certain you have sufficent time. Have patience. Wait for the right time when:
- You can see the other lane clearly and there are no approaching vehicles
- You are sure you have time to complete this manuever safely
- The lines on the road indicate that it’s okay to pass
- There are no intersections ahead
- There is not a car behind you or in the passing lane attempting to pass at the same time
Have your parents demostrate this before you try it. Make this as part of your “Learn to Drive” checklist. Look for more information in the Driving Lessons sections of the Workbook and the Video Library. See Driving Lesson 17.
