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Road scene · Lane and overtaking scenes

Passing on the left of a car turning right

You may pass a car that is turning right on its left, never on its right.

Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 141Asked in road safetyShown in 2 practice questions

What it means

Passing on the left of a car turning right: what is the rule?

A white car near the centre line is signalling right, and its grey path turns into a side street on the right. The plate-yellow car behind follows a yellow path that drifts left and carries straight on past the white car's left side. That is a legal pass, with room on the road to make it. Going around its right instead would put you straight into the path of its turn.

What to do

  1. 1

    Slow behind a car signalling right and check there is room on its left.

  2. 2

    Pass on the road itself, never on the shoulder past an edge line.

  3. 3

    Check your mirrors before moving left, then pass at a sensible speed.

Practice questions with this scene

When is it legal to overtake a vehicle on its left?

Right.Not quite. The answer is C.

Passing on the left is allowed in those situations, provided you can do it safely.

Source: Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 141

The car ahead is signalling right and slowing to turn right. Can you overtake it on the right?

Right.Not quite. The answer is C.

Passing on the right of a car about to turn right puts you in its path, so it is banned.

Source: Road Rules 2014 (NSW) rule 142

Common questions

When can you overtake on the left in NSW?
On a multi-lane road when it is safe, or past a vehicle signalling to turn right or make a U-turn.
Can I overtake a car turning right on its right side?
No. Passing a right turning car on its right puts you in its path and is banned.
NSW Learner mock exam screen: 45 questions, no time limit, two sections with their pass marks
A practice question in NSW Learner answered correctly, with the explanation card
LP

Your L plate turns green when you would pass

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