The main overtaking rule above all else is common sense. To only overtake if you are absolutely certain that the manoeuvre can be completed safely, and without causing risk or inconvenience to other road users. Before initiating the overtaking manoeuvre, ask yourself these questions:
Is it legal to overtake?
Assess whether it is legal to overtake by locating no overtaking signs or continuous/solid white lines.
Is it safe to overtake?
Ensure there are no bends in the road ahead or dips or hills and these will obscure oncoming traffic.
Left and right junction up ahead can be hazardous as vehicles may emerge into the overtaking lane.
Is it necessary to overtake?
First decide whether it is necessary to overtake. If the vehicle in front is traveling close to the speed limit, there will be little to gain from overtaking. Are there queues of traffic ahead or a dual carriageway that will render the overtaking manoeuvre pointless?
Assess also if it’s worth taking the risk as driving only a few kilometres per hour faster will often only result in a few minutes of time saved.