Kentucky driving lesson · General Driving Maneuvers
Passing: the rules
A 3-minute lesson from the Kentucky course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
In general, pass on the left. Passing on the right is dangerous because other drivers don't expect it and vehicles on the right are harder to see. Kentucky law also sets firm deadlines for finishing every pass.
Know the rule
On multi-lane roads, the left-most lane is for passing slower vehicles. You may pass on the right only when it is safe.
You must also complete a pass before reaching the beginning of a no-passing zone. If you're still in the left lane when the zone begins, you're breaking the law.
You may not pass when there's a solid line on your side of the broken line; you may pass when the solid yellow line is on the left side of the broken yellow line. Pass only if no vehicles are coming.
You're passing a slow truck on a two-lane road when you see an oncoming car and a No Passing Zone sign ahead. If you can't finish before the zone begins and before you're within 200 feet of that car, don't try—drop back.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
In general, you should pass other vehicles on which side?
Either side equally
Whichever side has more space
The left
The right
Answer: The left
In general, you should pass on the left, since the left lane is intended for passing on multi-lane roads.
You may pass on the right by driving off the roadway only if the vehicle being passed has come to a complete stop and it can be done safely.
True
False
Answer: True
Passing on the right shall not be made by driving off the roadway unless the passed vehicle has come to a complete stop and the move can be made safely.