Want to practise right away?
Start the quiz
This guide summarises the most important Dutch theory rules for overtaking (safe passing, signals, special cases) and shows what exam questions focus on most. Use the quiz above to test yourself in CBR-style multiple-choice questions.
Key rules in 60 seconds
Overtake safely (and quickly)
- Overtaking must not cause danger or hindrance; check it’s safe before you move out.
- Signal your intention in good time and complete the manoeuvre smoothly.
- Never exceed the speed limit while overtaking.
Moving back in
- Return only when you can see the entire front of the overtaken vehicle in your rear-view mirror.
- Indicate shortly before you move back in.
Overtaking on the right (exceptions)
- Allowed in specific cases (e.g., to the right of block markings, queuing traffic, roundabouts, trams).
- Not allowed on a normal multi-lane road just because someone is slow in the left lane.
When you must NOT overtake
- Near a pedestrian crossing.
- If you would need to cross a continuous line on your side.
- Whenever overtaking is prohibited by a sign.
Detailed guide
Overtaking vs passing an obstacle
Passing a stationary vehicle or obstacle isn’t treated as overtaking — it’s “passing”. The exam often tests whether you recognise the difference.
Safe overtaking steps (including oncoming traffic)
- Assess the gap: can you finish without causing danger/hindrance? (Oncoming traffic can be hard to judge.)
- Mirror check → signal in good time → move out smoothly.
- Keep the manoeuvre as short as possible without exceeding the speed limit; abort if you can’t complete safely.
- Move back in only when you can see the full front of the overtaken vehicle in your mirror; signal before moving in.
When can you overtake on the right?
- To the right of block markings (e.g., in an exit lane) while the other traffic is left of the block markings.
- On or before a roundabout.
- In queuing traffic.
- Passing a tram can be done on the right.
- Overtaking a vehicle positioned to turn left may be possible on the right.
- Also remember: cyclists and low-speed mopeds may pass you on the right.
Exit lane (block markings): the exam trap
- In an exit lane separated by block markings, right-side passing can be allowed — but watch speed differences and drivers who also want to move into the exit lane.
- Once you reach the arrow road markings, you must follow the arrows — you’re not allowed to re-enter the main carriageway.
- Turn off your indicator at the end of the block marking (where the exit lane separates from the main carriageway).
Common mistakes to avoid
- “Undertaking” on a normal multi-lane road because someone is slow in the left lane.
- Overtaking near a pedestrian crossing.
- Crossing a continuous line to overtake.
- Cutting in too early (before you see the full front of the overtaken vehicle in your mirror).
FAQ
When can you overtake on the right?
Only in specific exceptions (e.g., right of block markings, queuing traffic, roundabouts, trams, left-turning vehicles).
Only in specific exceptions (e.g., right of block markings, queuing traffic, roundabouts, trams, left-turning vehicles).
Can you exceed the speed limit to overtake?
No — if you can’t complete the manoeuvre in time while staying within the limit, you must abort.
No — if you can’t complete the manoeuvre in time while staying within the limit, you must abort.
How do you know when to move back in?
Move back only when you can see the entire front of the overtaken vehicle in your rear-view mirror.
Move back only when you can see the entire front of the overtaken vehicle in your rear-view mirror.
Is passing a parked car “overtaking”?
No — passing a stationary obstacle is treated as “passing”, not overtaking.
No — passing a stationary obstacle is treated as “passing”, not overtaking.
Relevant Dutch law (high-level references)
- RVV 1990: overtaking rules and right-side exceptions.
- WVW 1994: duty to avoid danger and hindrance.
Ready to practise?
Start the quiz