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Massachusetts driving lesson · Right-of-Way, Turns, Lanes & Parking

Rules for Passing

A 3-minute lesson from the Massachusetts course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Right-of-Way, Turns, Lanes & Parking
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
110, 111, 112

Passing puts you in space you don't control, sometimes in the oncoming lane. Pass only when it's necessary and safe, and never exceed the speed limit to do it. If you have any doubt, don't pass.

Know the rule

The law requires you to drive on the right side of the road. When passing is allowed, pass on the left; passing on the right is allowed only in certain situations.

Handbook p. 110 ↗

Never pass using:

  • A breakdown lane
  • The shoulder of a road
  • A sidewalk
Handbook p. 110 ↗

Know the rule

On a multiple-lane road with several lanes in one direction, use the middle and left lanes for passing. A broken yellow line on a two-way road lets you cross temporarily into the oncoming lane to pass, if it's safe.

Handbook p. 111 ↗

Passing on the left, step by step:

  • Keep a safe distance, check that the passing lane is clear, and check your mirror and blind spot
  • Crossing a broken yellow line? You must be able to see clearly at least 400 feet ahead
  • Signal left and move gradually into the passing lane
  • Maintain your speed until safely past, then signal right
  • Move back only when you can see the passed vehicle's headlights in your mirror
Handbook p. 111 ↗
200 feet

You must be back in the right lane before any oncoming vehicle comes within this distance

Handbook p. 111 ↗
Passing with care (multi-lane diagram)
Passing on a two-lane road

Pass on the right only when the road is clear and wide enough for two or more lines of vehicles, and:

  • The vehicle you're passing is making, or about to make, a left turn
  • You're driving on a one-way street
  • You're on a road where traffic moves in one direction, such as a multiple-lane highway
Handbook p. 111 ↗

Know the rule

When another vehicle passes you, slow down and stay to the right. Let the other driver pass safely, and do not speed up.

Handbook p. 111 ↗

Know the rule

Don't pass vehicles that are stopped or turning, at intersections or elsewhere: they may be stopped for a vehicle, person or animal you can't see.

Handbook p. 112 ↗

Know the rule

If you are operating a motorcycle, you may only pass single file.

Handbook p. 111 ↗

Put it into practice

On a two-lane road you're behind a slow car, the line on your side is broken yellow, but a hill limits your view to about 300 feet. Don't pass: you need a clear view of at least 400 feet ahead.

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.

Before crossing a broken yellow line to pass, how far ahead must you be able to see clearly?
  1. At least 200 feet
  2. At least 100 feet
  3. At least 600 feet
  4. At least 400 feet

Answer: At least 400 feet

You must be able to see clearly at least 400 feet ahead before crossing a broken yellow line to pass.

Handbook p. 111 ↗
You must return fully to your lane after passing before an oncoming vehicle gets within how many feet?
  1. 200 feet
  2. 400 feet
  3. 100 feet
  4. 500 feet

Answer: 200 feet

You must be back in your lane before any oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet of you.

Handbook p. 111 ↗
When is passing on the right generally allowed?
  1. Any time traffic is light
  2. When the vehicle ahead is turning left
  3. When the vehicle ahead is under the limit
  4. Only on rural roads

Answer: When the vehicle ahead is turning left

Passing on the right is allowed when the vehicle ahead is making or about to make a left turn.

Handbook p. 111 ↗
Where are you strictly forbidden from passing another vehicle?
  1. In the far left lane of a highway
  2. On a two-lane road with a broken yellow line
  3. On a breakdown lane, shoulder, or sidewalk
  4. On a one-way street

Answer: On a breakdown lane, shoulder, or sidewalk

You may never use a breakdown lane, shoulder, or sidewalk to pass.

Handbook p. 110 ↗
On a multi-lane roadway with several lanes in one direction, which lanes should you use to pass?
  1. The far right lane only
  2. Any lane, driver's choice
  3. The middle and left lanes
  4. The breakdown lane

Answer: The middle and left lanes

Use the middle and left lanes for passing on a multi-lane roadway in one direction.

Handbook p. 111 ↗
Passing on the right is legal on a one-way street when it's safe to do so.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

Passing on the right is allowed on a one-way street.

Handbook p. 111 ↗
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