Key Takeaways
- Leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30mph
- Give cyclists more space when overtaking at higher speeds
- Leave at least 2 metres when passing horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles, at under 10mph
- Leave at least 2 metres when passing a pedestrian walking in the road
- If the road is too narrow to give safe space, wait rather than overtake with less clearance
The Rule Isn't a Guess — It's a Specific Distance
The safe passing distance isn't one fixed number — it changes with your speed, and the current Highway Code is specific about it.
Leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds. Pass horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10mph and allow at least 2 metres of space. Allow at least 2 metres of space and keep to a low speed when passing a pedestrian who is walking in the road.
Why This Catches Learners — and Experienced Drivers — Out
Many were taught driving before this rule was clarified, or picked up a vague "leave plenty of room" instruction without a specific number attached. Without a concrete distance, it's easy to underestimate — especially on narrower roads where 1.5 metres feels like a lot to give up.
What to Do When the Road Is Too Narrow
Treat the 1.5-metre rule as a fixed reference, not a rough guess. If the road is too narrow to give that space safely, the correct response is to wait rather than to overtake with less clearance. The Highway Code is explicit that you should not overtake if you can't maintain the appropriate distance.
Preparing for Your Driving Test in Nottingham?
Judging exact distances while driving takes practice on real roads with real cyclists — not just knowing the number in theory.
Related Guides
Learn Safe, Confident Overtaking with H&E
H&E lessons cover real Nottingham roads shared with cyclists, so judging safe distance becomes second nature, not a number you're trying to remember.