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New York driving lesson · How to Pass

Passing on the left

A 4-minute lesson from the New York 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
4 minutes
Course unit
How to Pass
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
39

New York law requires you to drive on the right, so passing normally happens on the left. Pass or change lanes to avoid hazards only when necessary, and never by breaking the speed limit. Most of the test questions here are about when passing is NOT allowed.

Know the rule

You must not exceed the speed limit to pass another vehicle.

Handbook p. 39 ↗

Know the rule

When passing a motorcycle, give it the same full-lane width as any other vehicle. Never move into the same lane space as a motorcycle, even if the lane is wide and the motorcycle is to one side.

Handbook p. 39 ↗

Know the rule

When overtaking a bicyclist from behind, the law requires you to pass on the left at a safe distance until you have cleared the bicycle, and to give the cyclist enough room to ride.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
100 feet

Signal a lane change with turn signals or hand signals at least this far before you make it

Handbook p. 39 ↗

Know the rule

Never pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross.

Handbook p. 39 ↗

You cannot pass on the left if:

  • Your lane has a solid yellow center line
  • You can't safely return to the right lane before reaching a solid yellow center line for the right lane
  • You can't safely return before any oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet of you
  • You're approaching a curve or hilltop on a two-way road and can't see around or over it
  • You're within 100 feet of a railroad crossing on a two-way road
  • You're within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel or viaduct on a two-way road and your view is obstructed
  • Passing would interfere with oncoming traffic
Handbook p. 39 ↗

Blind spot

An area behind each side of your vehicle that even correctly adjusted mirrors don't show. A vehicle there may not appear in your mirrors.

Handbook p. 39 ↗

How to pass on the left:

  • Check your mirrors and signal the lane change
  • Look quickly over your left shoulder through the back side window for a vehicle close behind
  • Move completely into the left lane
  • Signal, and check your interior mirror until you see the front bumper of the car you passed
  • Look over your right shoulder to see several feet of pavement between you, then return right
Handbook p. 39 ↗

Know the rule

Never depend on your mirrors alone when you prepare to change lanes or pass. Always look quickly over your shoulder.

Handbook p. 39 ↗

Put it into practice

On a two-lane road you pull out to pass a slow car, then spot an oncoming truck. If you can't get back into the right lane before the truck is within 200 feet of you, don't pass. Drop back behind the slow car and wait.

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.

An oncoming vehicle would be within 150 feet of you before you could safely return to your lane. May you pass on the left?
  1. Yes, 150 feet is enough room
  2. Yes, if you speed up to finish quickly
  3. No; you need 200 feet to return
  4. Yes, if you flash your headlights first

Answer: No; you need 200 feet to return

You cannot pass on the left if you can't safely return to the right lane before an oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
You are within 100 feet of a railroad crossing on a two-way road. Can you pass a vehicle on the left?
  1. Yes, as long as no train is visible
  2. Yes, if your speed stays under 30 mph
  3. No, but only if the crossing has gates
  4. No, it's prohibited

Answer: No, it's prohibited

You cannot pass on the left within 100 feet of a railroad crossing on a two-way roadway.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
What must you check before pulling into the left lane to pass, beyond your mirrors?
  1. Check your left blind spot
  2. Nothing else; mirrors are enough
  3. Check your right blind spot
  4. Check the brake lights ahead

Answer: Check your left blind spot

Mirrors leave blind spots, so you must look over your shoulder before changing lanes or passing.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
You are trying to return to the right lane after passing. What should you see in your interior mirror first?
  1. The rear bumper of the vehicle you passed
  2. The front of the car you passed
  3. Nothing, checking mirrors isn't required
  4. Only the vehicle behind you

Answer: The front of the car you passed

Before returning to the right lane, make sure you can see the front bumper of the vehicle you passed in your interior mirror.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
Can you ever pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk for a pedestrian?
  1. Yes, if you slow down first
  2. Yes, if there's a passing lane available
  3. No, never
  4. Yes, if the pedestrian has already passed the vehicle's front

Answer: No, never

You must never pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk to allow a pedestrian to cross.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
Within what distance of an obstructed bridge or tunnel on a two-way road can you not pass on the left?
  1. 100 feet
  2. 50 feet
  3. 200 feet
  4. 500 feet

Answer: 100 feet

You cannot pass on the left within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel, or viaduct on a two-way road where your view is obstructed.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
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More in How to Pass

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