Overtaking on the face of it, should be pretty simple – open the throttle, pass whatever is ahead and then pull back into your lane. While these are roughly the three basic steps to overtaking, there ar some finer points to the exercise. Overdrive (Jan. ’09) takes you through the overtake…

Setting up base is the first and most crucial step of the overtake. This base is usually a couple of car lengths behind the vehicle you intend to pass at the same speed. In terms of position with the lane, you are looking to be in a position where you can see ahead the best, without blocking both the tail lamps from the view of whoever’s following you. From this position you should be able to verify that the overtaking or opposing lane you intend to use is clear both ahead and behind you. The behind part is crucial, where your move might be pre-empted by a hara-kiri attempt in a car behind you. Lastly the base is ready when you are also in the right lowest gear for the passing move.

Once your base is ready – right gear, lane clear – you make the last three checks before you actually pass. First, get your indicator flashing your intention and second, flash your lights so the chap ahead knows you are coming. Ideally, you should see him check his mirrors. Finally do a lifesaver. A lifesaver is an actual very quick look over the shoulder to double-check what your mirrors are telling you. If the lanes are clear and you have the space you need to pass and merge back in. You are ready.

You now pull out into the overtaking or opposing lane and then open the throttle smoothly to fully open. As you come past the vehicle, you should indicate left – that you going to pull in. as your front wheel clears the vehicle, the moment you are ahead, you can roll off the full throttle.

But don’t close the throttle. When you pull back into your lane, the gap between you and the vehicle you passed should still be increasing. This gives him or her space. If the gap is reducing, they will either run into you or make a drastic move to avoid you. Neither is a good thing. At the same time, you shouldn’t be merging at a pace that will put you within inches of the next vehicle either. The speed is a balance between the two. Avoid feathering the brakes when you are merging, flashing brake lamps worry the driver/rider behind you. Good judgment and control is essential.
There are some obvious mistakes to avoid. For instance, even if the road is clear, is it a good place to overtake? Similarly, not passing a rashly driven car is usually smarter, if slower, than passing them and risking their wrath. Be extra cautious when passing long vehicles and drivers who are tired of having to manage the vehicle’s size without power steering or brakes.  And don’t pull a close overtake if the speed differential between you and the car/bike is very large.