Overtaking Rules

Overtaking questions are common in the Dutch theory exam because learners often remember the basic rule but forget the important exceptions.
This guide explains the main overtaking rules in the Netherlands in a simple way for Category B theory practice.

Key rules in 60 seconds

Detailed guide

1) The normal rule is overtaking on the left

• In Dutch traffic rules, overtaking is normally done on the left.
• That is the basic rule you should start from in almost every theory question.
• Only after that should you look for an exception that makes overtaking on the right legal.

2) A left-turning driver may be passed on the right

• If a driver has positioned the vehicle on the left and has clearly indicated an intention to turn left, you may overtake that driver on the right.
• This is one of the most important exceptions to the normal rule.
• The exam may test whether the other driver is really preparing to turn, or only drifting left.

3) Traffic queues create another exception

• When traffic is queuing on a road with several lanes in the same direction, road users do not have to stay in the right-hand lane.
• In that situation, traffic queues may also be overtaken on the right.
• This is why some motorway and city-traffic questions allow right-side passing without it being treated as illegal overtaking.

4) Never overtake near a pedestrian crossing

• You may not overtake a vehicle directly before or on a pedestrian crossing.
• This is a very common theory question because the crossing can be easy to miss in the image.
• Always scan ahead for zebra crossings before deciding whether overtaking is allowed.

5) Trams and special layouts can change things

• Dutch traffic law also includes special cases such as overtaking a tram on the right.
• In addition, indicator panels and road layout can change how traffic passes around obstacles or separators.
• That is why you should read the whole road scene, not only remember one simple overtaking rule.

6) Overtaking cyclists and slow traffic needs care

• Many overtaking situations in real traffic involve cyclists, agricultural vehicles, or other slower road users.
• The legal rule is only one part of the answer; the other part is whether the manoeuvre is safe and gives enough space.
• In theory questions, the safer answer is often to wait if visibility, space, or oncoming traffic is uncertain.

7) Do not confuse passing with dangerous squeezing through

• Some learners treat every movement past another road user as normal overtaking.
• But if the space is too small, visibility is poor, or another road user may change direction, the manoeuvre becomes unsafe.
• The theory exam often tests whether you can recognise when patience is better than overtaking.

8) Why overtaking questions go wrong

• Learners often confuse:
• normal overtaking with queue traffic passing
• left-turn exceptions with ordinary right-side overtaking
• safe opportunity with legal permission
• open road situations with pedestrian crossing restrictions

9) Best method for overtaking questions

• Step 1: Start with the normal rule: overtake on the left.
• Step 2: Check whether a clear exception applies.
• Step 3: Look for a pedestrian crossing, lane markings, or separators.
• Step 4: Check visibility, oncoming traffic, and space.
• Step 5: If there is doubt, the safer answer is usually not to overtake.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Overtaking on the right without a valid exception.
• Missing a pedestrian crossing in the question.
• Thinking that being faster always gives the right to overtake.
• Ignoring visibility and available space.
• Confusing queue traffic with normal open-road overtaking.

FAQ

Relevant Dutch law

• RVV 1990, Art. 11: overtaking is normally on the left, with specific exceptions.
• RVV 1990, Art. 12: overtaking directly before or on a pedestrian crossing is not allowed.
• RVV 1990, Art. 13: traffic queues may be overtaken on the right on multi-lane roads in the same direction.