A 4-minute lesson from the South Dakota course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Passing on a two-lane road needs far more space than most drivers expect. Some road users also need extra room because they can't see you, are distracted, or are confused.
Know the rule
Pass only where signs or markings permit, and as a rule pass only one vehicle at a time and on the left. Don't linger in the passing lane.
Hills and curves: you must see at least one-third of a mile (about 10 seconds) ahead. Don't start a pass within one-third of a mile of a hill or curve; assume a vehicle is just out of sight.
It's dangerous and unlawful to pass where vehicles may enter or cross: intersections, railroad crossings, shopping center entrances. Don't pass if a railroad grade crossing is ahead.
At 55 mph on a two-lane road you want to pass a camper, but a hill crest is only a quarter mile ahead. Don't start: you need about one-third of a mile of clear road, and the hill could hide an oncoming car.
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.
At 55 mph, about how many seconds of gap in oncoming traffic do you need to safely pass?
About 3 seconds
About 20 seconds
About 10 seconds
About 1 minute
Answer: About 10 seconds
At 55 mph, you need about a 10-second gap in oncoming traffic and sight distance to pass safely.