14.41. Which of the following must a driver make sure of before starting to overtake:
UAУ чому з переліченого повинен переконатися водій перед тим, як почати обгін:
Question without image
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning the safe execution of overtaking on roads with oncoming traffic. Overtaking is one of the riskiest maneuvers in the traffic rules, as it involves entering the oncoming lane and requires precise calculation of distance, speed, and timing. For the theoretical exam, it is important to understand that safety here is determined not by the driver's intentions, but by the ability to safely complete the maneuver without forcing other road users to change their speed or trajectory.
The question tests knowledge of Section 14 "Overtaking, Passing, Oncoming Passing," specifically the requirement of point 14.2 (d) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine. The essence of the rule is simple: before starting to overtake, the driver must make sure that after overtaking, they will be able to return to their previously occupied lane without creating an obstacle for the vehicle being overtaken. That is, it is necessary to assess in advance whether there is enough free road section and whether there will be enough space to return to the right with a safe distance, without "cutting off" the overtaken vehicle.
The analysis of the answer options teaches how to set priorities correctly. The statement that the driver must make sure that the other driver "understood" their actions is not a requirement of this point: you cannot guarantee the attentiveness or reaction of another road user, even if you have signaled a turn. Instead, the requirement for the possibility of unhindered return to your lane is directly prescribed in point 14.2 (d), so it is precisely this criterion that is checked by this exam question; an option that combines both statements automatically becomes incorrect due to the presence of an incorrect condition. In practice, this means: start overtaking only when you are sure that you can complete it quickly and safely, and returning to your lane will not force the overtaken car to brake or swerve.
Clause 14.2 (d) — 14 “Overtaking, passing, oncoming passing”
Before starting to overtake, the driver must make sure that: (d) after overtaking, they will be able, without creating an obstacle for the vehicle being overtaken, to return to the previously occupied lane.
This subclause directly requires the driver, even before starting the maneuver, to assess whether there is enough distance and conditions for a safe return to their lane without hindering the overtaken vehicle.
Clause 1.10 (term “Overtaking”)
Overtaking — passing one or more vehicles involving entering the oncoming traffic lane.
This definition explains that overtaking is a maneuver that usually requires subsequently returning to one’s own lane, and therefore is directly related to the requirement of clause 14.2 (d) regarding the possibility of safely completing the maneuver.
That is, the correct answer is: “That after overtaking, they will be able, without creating an obstacle for the vehicle they have overtaken, to return to the previously occupied lane,” given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, overtaking is a maneuver that a driver may begin only after making sure it can be safely completed (returning to the previously occupied lane without creating an obstacle for the overtaken vehicle).
When a driver plans to overtake, they take on the responsibility not only to safely enter the oncoming lane, but also to properly complete the maneuver. It is the completion of overtaking that most often creates danger: the driver may return to their lane too early and force the overtaken vehicle to brake sharply or deviate from its trajectory. Therefore, the Traffic Rules require thinking ahead: whether there is enough space and time not only to "overtake," but also to safely "move ahead."
Clause 14.2 (d) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly obliges the driver, before starting to overtake, to make sure that after completing the maneuver, they will be able to return to their previously occupied lane in such a way as not to create an obstacle for the vehicle being overtaken. That is, even before entering the oncoming lane, it is necessary to assess the length of the free section, the difference in speeds, the possibility of gaining the required speed, and the availability of space ahead to return to the right with a safe distance.
Practical example: you are overtaking a truck on a two-lane road. If after passing it you "cut in" and return to the right at a short distance, the truck driver will be forced to brake or change lanes, and this is exactly creating an obstacle. The correct logic is as follows: returning to your lane is only possible when you have already sufficiently passed the overtaken vehicle and have enough space ahead; in practice, drivers often use the guideline that the overtaken vehicle is fully visible in the right rearview mirror.
At the same time, the requirement to "make sure that the driver of the overtaken vehicle has seen you" is not the criterion being checked by this question. You cannot guarantee where the other driver is looking or how they assess the situation. But ensuring the correct completion of your maneuver without forcing another road user to brake or change trajectory is your direct responsibility under the Traffic Rules.
Therefore, the correct answer is: "That after overtaking, you will be able, without creating an obstacle for the vehicle you overtook, to return to the previously occupied lane," since clause 14.2 (d) of the Traffic Rules requires you, before starting to overtake, to assess the possibility of safely completing the maneuver and returning to your lane without creating obstacles for the overtaken vehicle.