How much room should you give a cyclist when overtaking?
Leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking a cyclist at speeds of up to 30 mph, and more at higher speeds. If you cannot leave that much without danger to oncoming traffic, wait behind them. The Code gives this as a guide, so it is advice and not a legal measurement.
You know the rule. Can you spot it on the road?
Try it in a free scene
On a narrow road, the question is when to pass
The usual mistake is to treat the space as a compromise between the cyclist and an oncoming car. There is no safe halfway point. If you stay in your lane you may pass far too close to the rider. If you move out to give them room, you may end up on the wrong side of the road with a car coming.
So look at all three of you together: the cyclist, your car and whatever is coming towards you. If you could not all fit with the full gap, drop back and do not sit close behind the rider. Once the oncoming car has gone by and the road ahead is clear, check your mirrors and move out to pass with space to spare. If another car is coming, or you cannot see far enough ahead, stay behind.
Waiting may cost you a few seconds. Being too close to a cyclist when overtaking is one of the common faults DVSA lists under judgement.
When to give more than 1.5 metres
Treat 1.5 metres as the least you leave. The Code asks for more space:
- when you are overtaking at higher speeds
- in bad weather, including high winds
- at night
What to watch as you pass
Keep an eye on the rider. If they look over their shoulder, they may be about to pull out, turn right or change direction, so give them time and space to do it. Then move back to the left as soon as you can, without cutting in.
How we mark each mistake
Practice marks only: on a real test, the examiner decides. How faults work.
You overtook into the path of an oncoming car Dangerous fault
Giving the cyclist room put you on the wrong side of the road with a car coming. If you cannot give at least 1.5 metres without danger to oncoming traffic, wait behind the cyclist.
You passed far too close to the cyclist Dangerous fault
Staying in your lane left less than half a metre between you and the cyclist. You should leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at up to 30 mph, and wait behind them if you cannot.
What the Highway Code says
- Rule 163:
As a guide: leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds
- Rule 212:
If the rider looks over their shoulder it could mean that they intend to pull out, turn right or change direction.
MUST and MUST NOT are the law. Should is advice, which can still be used in evidence in court.
Where this fits on the test
Top 10 fail reason: poor positioning on the road during normal driving. DVSA driving skills: Other traffic, Safe positioning.