A 3-minute lesson from the New Mexico course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Even where signs and markings allow passing, you must judge whether there's enough room. Passing on a two-lane road puts you head-on with oncoming traffic, so the numbers here matter.
Know the rule
Only pass where signs or road markings permit it, and only if you judge there is enough room to pass safely.
Don't pass where vehicles are likely to enter or cross: intersections, railroad crossings and shopping center entrances. The vehicle you pass can block your view, and turning drivers won't expect you in their lane.
Before returning to the lane, leave enough room ahead of the vehicle you passed. When you can see both of its headlights in your rear-view mirror, it's safe to return.
On a 55 mph two-lane highway, a slow truck is ahead and a curve is about a quarter mile away. Don't pass: you're within one-third of a mile of the curve and can't see the 10-second gap you need.
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.
About how many seconds of gap in oncoming traffic do you need to pass safely at 55 mph?
6 seconds
20 seconds
3 seconds
10 seconds
Answer: 10 seconds
At 55 mph, you need about a 10-second gap in oncoming traffic to pass.