Motorcycle Road Skills- Overtaking - Module 2 / Advanced

This video is about overtaking, and is designed to raise awareness of some common risks and mistakes, as well as demonstrations and guidance about how to overtake safely.
Whilst useful for motorcyclists at all stages of training and experience, some of the techniques shown may not be suitable for learner and inexperienced riders depending on their level of ability, experience and training.
It is not a replacement for live training, and due to the safety critical nature of overtaking, if in doubt the viewer should seek professional live instruction and not replicate some techniques on the road without a full understanding.

[@snoopiain]

These videos are pure gold. I’ve returned to bikes after a 15 year break and even as a trained police driver, I’m learning tons. Brilliant videos, calm, sensible, life-saving advice. Well done. Keep it up 👍

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Good instructional video. The only few other things I’d add are: 1. Consider the road surface ahead and check that there’s no obvious signs of gravel or potholes in the area you’ll have to overtake into and returning to your carriageway; 2. Think twice about overtaking electric vehicles as some these days can out accelerate most bikes; I’ve encountered a fair few tesla owners who like the show off their straight line speed and some of whom don’t like being overtaken. 3. A particular hazard is overtaking farm vehicles. Many are carrying or towing machinery which may have bits sticking out over their side of the road or are unstable and move about a fair bit. Some tractor drivers may not check mirrors or see you in their blind spot and may suddenly turn off into a field or minor side turning so look ahead for open gates or signs of mud on the road indicating recent farm activity; 4. Multiple vehicle overtakes increase your risk exponentially. Ask yourself if you really benefit to begin with. Be wary of closing gaps between vehicles and the danger of someone ahead in the queue pulling out whilst you are committed. You really need a much more extended empty road ahead, need to check your speed and resist the temptation to blast past to give yourself a chance to break if needed. Also, it is better to do it in planned jumps picking gaps carefully as the chances are you’ll make yourself more visible to those ahead. Overtaking is one of those skills often most ignored judging by the poor standards observed from even experienced bikers. It’s an essential skill which demands concentration and should also be done in a legal manner, which means staying within the speed limit (otherwise you haven’t allowed a safe distance to accomplish it). Overtaking on solid whites is a no no yet the number of bikers I see doing this is surprising. The only exception is where you need to get past a stationary obstruction or slow moving obstruction such as pushbikes.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

thank you for your comments and advice here, much appreciated and highly useful. Can never get enough good info! All the best

[@jjnewman65]

Excellent additional info 👍🏻

[@rcraven1013]

Overtaking a line of traffic as said can be more dangerous but many a time I have seen riders overtake the last vehicle in a line and then maybe more but then get stuck in the middle of that traffic and they can make no further faster progress. They may as well have decided to stay where they were and pull back. Some believe or are told that its safer to be at the front of a line rather than in one. So by pulling back they are no longer the last in the line but the first in a new line with safe space created by themselves. After an overtake a mate of mine pulls back in but says that he always obeys the 2 second rule. So after the overtake he counts 2 seconds before moving back in in front of the car having been overtaken . Unfortunately I pointed out that if he was doing say a reasonable 10 mph. faster than the car being overtaken then in 2 second he would only be some 30 ft in front if it when he pulled in or should I say cut in. Many bikers and car drivers do exactly that any way. Some look in their nearside mirror and see the distance but that distance is twice the actual distances as that mirror gives a false indication of distances. As a result many drivers cut in in front of the car they have just overtaken. Further to that too many times I seen motorcyclists overtaking where there is no need or justification other than perhaps a desire to make faster progress or just for the hell of it or just because they can or want to make a point that they can go faster than others. In doing so they look for a gap in the traffic ahead and sometimes they enter this gap and are then both tailgating the car in front and or being now tailgated by the car they have just overtaken. Not a safe situation to be in and one they have placed themselves in but they fail recognise the a danger they haver placed themselves in.

[@peteslater7684]

Really glad that I found this channel. Having just got back in the saddle after a long break, it's been really useful to refresh my skills step-by-step and fully understand the methodology you use. Thank you.

[@highpeakbiker]

Brilliant bit of film at 15.04 Absolutely hits the nail on the head as to why you should be able to see the complete width of road.

[@jjnewman65]

Carrying out a three stage overtake safely, smoothly and correctly is one of the most satisfying experiences one can do on two wheels.

[@rcraven1013]

Its also one of the most dangerous practises cos at times you will only be some 1 second behind the vehicle to be overtaken and that is not giving that safer two seconds or more distance.. Its just as dangerous if not more dangerous than spending more time on the wrong side of the road., Two wrongs don't make a right.

[@AW8UK]

Another timely video revisit. As a roadcraft conversant, developing & thinking rider I have found value in watching some content here ...MORE than once. The advice from 12:45 about limit points being far less relevant if we don't know the closing speeds of vehicles hidden from sight is SO Important......Multiple other gems in this video too ! When riding I have my own voice in my head as well as the voice of our channel host...both have caused me to correctly dial in suitable restraint at key moments ! I genuinely cannot give enough thanks here 👍🙂

[@DG-ig4wj]

That white van at 23mins had you thinking he was Gona come out and me too lol

[@markrussen9267]

Having retrned to biking after 30 years confidence needs rebuilding so to find a tutorial with great "live" examples clearly explained was/will be immensly beneficial. Think I will be revisting this a good few times to keep developing/improving. Thank you.

[@neilsatchell7049]

Another great video mod 2 getting closer really enjoy your experience and explanation of riding and overtaking right next video 😊

[@chrismillard3044]

This video is so well done and fantastic, so helpful, I always keep an eye on the conditions, sometimes even with a big sports bike just chill and assess.

[@Eastsussexbiker]

Taking my associate out today for overtake training. Excellent video. Lots to consider

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@EastSussexBiker many thanks,. i hope you have an enjoyable day, great roads to train on in Sussex. Ride safe

[@jamiewhittaker7399]

Thanks for your videos. I'm 44 years old and never been on a buke before i done CBT training and got myself Honda cbr125cc and have only done just under 200miles. Have watched almost all of your videos over Xmas and have got a much better understanding of motorbikes and how they work . Will be practicing in quiet car park when weather clears up . Thankyou and I hope you know how much you have helped me on what I need to be doing.

[@kaine4472]

Excellent video. Very informative with great real life examples towards the end.

[@scrumpymanjack]

Very good video, as always. Thank you. As to your self-assessment point, I'm a new rider and I've made myself do several things until I'm more experienced (and maybe forever). The first is that I deliberately didn't get insurance for a pillion passenger. That was to ensure that I gained sufficient experience and roadcraft before inviting someone to hop on the back. Second, and every time I go out, I treat it like a test, trying to ensure that I don't put a single foot wrong the entire journey. When I reach my destination, I mentally review my mistakes if I've made any. Finally, I talk to myself mentally during the ride, commenting on observations, possibilities and decisions in a similar way that you comment on your ride for our benefit. I find all of this very helpful, and I already feel like a much better rider than I was a month ago.

[@leslieaustin151]

A good refresher, thank you. Les

[@AW8UK]

Spot on in every regard...Thanks

[@christopherbriggs5910]

Thank you I’m a new rider the video on corners and this one on overtaking have been really helpful I try and remember ipsga all the time and found it really helps you only really learn when you have 32:22 passed your test thank you

[@Steven-bu2ul]

This channel is pure gold.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

thank you for your comment, much appreciated. Glad you enjoy the videos

[@MGman100]

Great instructional video. Thanks.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

You're welcome! Thank you for your comment.

[@roblodge3818]

Excellent video, really helpful as an aide memoire, thumbs up.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Many thanks, Glad it was helpful!

[@SammyHerring]

Loved this video on safe overtaking!

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Thank you, glad you loved it!

[@scottdiver36]

Doing my test next week nice overtaking 🙋

[@gravyau]

Great channel

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Graham Hill thank you , much appreciated. All the best

[@lizsinclair2639]

Great teaching

[@MotorcyclePWR]

thank you , much appreciated

[@guyanderton]

Thanks for these vidios. I probably see you out and about as I go to Hearn bay and whitstable a fair amount Im near Rye so know these roads fairly well 6 months here. Do you do day courses that I could join? I ask this because I just got a Sprint st and am finding it a bit of a handful after riding an ER5 for about six years.I have been riding for many years with various brakes in between. Not broken bones. The Autumn has brought various hazards to this area and am finding it abit challenging. The ER is great dealing with it all but the Sprint is just a handful. Loving the videos and great to see your riding. Im not a nutter on a bilke but can handle the ER5 just fine. Just thought I would comment as what you are saying is what I think.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Hi Guy, thanks for your comments. If you would like to email me at [e-mail] we can discuss training. All the best

[@richardgiles2484]

Really good video for all. I cringe sometimes when I see the risks that some bikes take. A friend once said to a new rider. Just remember that you will only ever get one fatel accident 🙄

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Richard Giles Thanks Richard, yes, it really does make you wonder what people are thinking sometimes Im afraid. Your friends advice is sadly true...

[@richardgiles2484]

@@MotorcyclePWR I started riding at 17 and my first bike was an RD200 and it was 12mths old the second week I got knocked off overtaking a car which turned right on me. From that to this I've ALWAYS ridden with the attitude everyone is out to kill me and never trust anyone and that includes the police if they say it's safe to go 🤣🤣

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Richard Giles oh the RD's - great machines, and very desirable now. Its all a big learning curve isnt it, back then training was minimal. Very sensible approach

[@richardgiles2484]

@@MotorcyclePWR no training atall mate. Just paid for the bike and given the keys and off I went 🤣 Been learning eversince 👍

[@raymond_luxury_yacht]

best bike vids

[@MotorcyclePWR]

thank you

[@jonwarb]

All good advice! Thanks. Also.. Where abouts are you? Looks like a very beautiful part of the country! I’m in North Wales. Reminds me a little of parts of Anglesey. 😊

[@MotorcyclePWR]

Hi Jon, down in sunny Kent, well Kent anyway! It is beautiful if you can still find the right parts.

[@rcraven1013]

When it comes to things to consider before any overtake one that was not mentioned is the actual speed of the vehicle to be overtaken relative to ones own speed and what your speed would be when actually overtaking. If your speed is likely to be over the speed limit then one really cannot justify an overtake as one would be breaking the law. A good rule of thumb is to think do I need to be 5 mph faster or maybe 10 mph faster and will any of those speeds take me above the speed limit. If the answer is yes then don't commit to the overtake.

[@paulmckell7726]

Heyup, just a question, i couldn't see if you were indicating before overtaking ,also do you use passing light? Thanks in advanceTommy Tickle

[@MotorcyclePWR]

hi, i dont always use an indicator before overtaking, i consider if it has any value and if it doesnt then i will just do the manoeuvre. I sometimes use a passing light/headlamp flash to warn the other vehicle of my intention to overtake, but all dependent on circumstances. I dont do either by default. All the best

[@johnnycigarettes3325]

Great video thanks. I note you are in position 3 in the face of oncoming vehicles when weighing up some overtaking situations. Why would you not drop into position 2 in those circumstances? Thanks

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Johnny Cigarettes thank you for your comment. To clarify reference to position 3, I presume you mean near to the centre line (offside position, some times referred to as position 5). My position would depend on many factors, I generally wouldn't want to be too close to oncoming traffic, but if it enabled a better view and/or a quicker overtake after the oncoming had passed then I would be happy to stay there rather than move back to a more leftward position. Also, if I were to move a bit closer to the vehicle in front in anticipation of an overtake I would prefer be to the offside rather than central to the vehicle as it could provide an easier escape route if necessary. Whenever we decide on a place to position it is down to our interpretation of what we see, the factors present and how we think at the time. This my vary between different riders given the same set of circumstances. But I would be happy for an offside position if it provided an advantage, but as long as I was happy that it did not compromise my safety. Hope this helps.

[@piotrb6410]

Really useful video. Question, if you're following the car on the National Speed Limit, and he's doing 55-60mph, would you just stay behind? You wouldn't really gain much and most likely break the speed limit while overtaking, correct?

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Piotr B thank you for your comments and question. Yes, I would say exactly that, ride safe, all the best

[@steventhompson3507]

I'm sti new to all of this. So are you indicating right then left everytime you go into and back out of an over take and also when you move over to the oncoming lane for a better view or would the latter then be a cause for confusion to vehicles behind. Thanks for the vids I do believe that they're helping.

[@steventhompson3507]

I've booked my theory test but that isn't the one that troubles me nor am I troubled at all over the mod 1. I watched the DVSA vid on mod1 and was pleasantly surprised over the simplicity and modest requirements of it all. The part 2 only troubles me because well its open road anything can happen whilst I have to respond decisively and appropriately and I'm still sketchy even after watching your vid regarding observations and then combining it with defencive driving. I feel that I have trouble being able to decide my road position at times and I don't think that me telling a testing officer as a learner that I didn't do a direct obs because I was sure that there was nothing there will cut it. Not a dig at you but if I am checking my mirrors frequently and am certain will a testing officer accept that or do I abandon that. I am very thorough though.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Steven Thompson hi thank you for your messages and questions. So personally i generally don't use indicators for overtaking, but will if it benefits another road user and helps my safety. I appreciate as a new rider this may be difficult to tell when to do it and when not. Usually a signal is good for the overtake, not usually so needed for the return, and probably not for just having a look because as you say it may confuse. I have published two videos about use of signals and they may hep you further, as no doubt will live instruction with a qualified trainer as things can be explained in more detail with examples. Hope this helps, all the best.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Steven Thompson Thanks again for your question Steven. Regarding Module 2, its true that there are many things to consider. The standard required for Mod 2 surprisingly isn't high in my opinion, and if you are taking training with a qualified instructor they will soon explain what is required and where things could fail you. Basically, if you are legal, can control the bike, are safe and don't endanger yourself or other road users then you will pass. Road positioning is a big subject, and the level at what we look at change and intensify from basic training, to test training and then onto advanced. So it is a progression of knowledge and understanding. As regards the rear observations, you need to be fully aware of what is happening around you all the time, especially so before committing to a manoeuvre. The decision whether to use a lifesaver or not can be confusing for a new road user, hence why training courses are so useful. As a rough guide, areas where lifesavers are required on test because they are high risk manoeuvres are; turning right from a major road to a minor road; joining dual carriageways; changing lanes on one way streets (including dual carriageways) and exiting roundabouts, particularly ahead and right. But for many other manoeuvres, lifesavers can be helpful, hence you will often hear the term "consider a lifesaver". Yet again, a properly supervised training course can give more examples as to when to use a lifesaver and when it may not be necessary. Please keep checking your mirrors, they are vital to maintaining your awareness. A term we use in training is "effective rear observations", which means were the rear observations taken (single mirror/ both mirrors only/lifesaver + mirrors) effective in ensuring the manoeuvre was safe? If the answer is yes, then all is good. Sorry I cannot be more specific, but online training can only go so far to create a good rider, live practice is most necessary. Try not to worry about what an examiner wants to see, just learn to ride well and you will pass your test, but more importantly you will be on the way to becoming a safe rider. I wish you well with your training.

[@thepianoman1010]

Brilliant comment re. judging and possibly criticising your own ability.

[@booshallmighty]

I'm taking lessons at the moment. When I overtake I look in my mirror to check what is behind me, then I signal, then before I move I look to my right into my blind spot and move when I'm happy nothing is there. My (who has had one lesson), says I have to physically look behind me in the same way I look when I pull away from the side of the road or when I do a U turn. Is this right? If he is right then I may as well take my mirrors off. He says looking to the right is a glance and a lifesaver is when you look directly behind you. Is he right and my instructor is wrong?

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Craig Harrison thank you for your comment and question. You may find more information on my rear observations video. To directly answer your question, a lifesaver is a check into the blind spot, not to the rear. When the machine is in motion, a new rider should only move their head to 3 or 9 o clock to check the blind spot, not further as it can cause the bike to change course involuntarily. Experienced riders may turn the head more without issue. When the bike is stationary before moving away you can move your head as much as you like and is necessary to be sure the rear is safe. When overtaking, it is often suggested that a rearward glance is necessary. However, with the speeds involved and the need to look ahead to ensure the situation doesn't change before committing to the overtake, a rearward glance can be unhelpful. Often the question here is what if someone has got into your blindspot? So essentially, good frequent mirror checks on the approach and plan of the overtake will generally provide sufficient information to overtake safely. However, if there is a threat of a vehicle getting into your blindspot a lifesaver should be considered before committing, but its use would not usually be the norm, and awareness of the possible drawbacks of doing it would be helpful.

[@JULIASMITH-eg9kp]

❤❤❤❤🏍️🏍️🏍️

[@monkeydust100]

I've only ridden a 125 , i really don't want to overtake ,do you have to overtake on mod 2?

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@monkeydust100 hi, you dont have to overtake on Mod2, but if you didnt overtake in circumstances where it was possible, necessary and you didnt make progress, it could/might be viewed as a serious fault. This would be judged dependent on circumstances. So you should be trained to be competent to overtake. Generally speaking, its unlikely you would overtake on a Mod 2, but not impossible! Also depends which category you are testing for, so an A1 125cc you would be less likely, but if you are testing for an A2 or A licence, overtakes are more likely. Your instructor should advise you further. Hope this helps, best regards

[@Ventcis]

22:04 yeah, I shall not...😅

[@daisychain8622]

Are you a member of EKAM?

[@MotorcyclePWR]

hi, no I'm not a member

[@hmltp744]

No lifesavers for pulling out for any overtakes? Couldn’t there have been another bike or car?

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@hmltp744 Correct, lifesavers are a consideration for overtaking and not always necessary for high speed overtakes as it takes your eyes off the road ahead at the critical moment immediately prior to overtaking , providing of course sufficient, effective and frequent rear obs have been taken prior to committing to the overtake so that you know exactly what is behind you. Thank you for your comment

[@judgedredd49]

One wonders why there is little or no training on overtakes. Well its simply that the CBT and DSA tests and training are generally conducted in and around towns in urban streets and therefore little overtaking training is done. For the actual test as one will not be required to overtake in our urban environment , not recommended as they say. Then there is nothing after that initial training at all unless one wants to become and advanced rider and then its all about overtakes and bends and the use of speed and of making progress out on our country roads. Yet still, even after training overtakes are responsible for many a collision and when a motorcyclists collides with other hard objects some one out of six riders or passengers are killed. So still, even after over 50 years or so of advanced training some riders don't get it or rather get it wrong then that must ask some questions about how and what we are actually training. It appears that even when trained to advanced level some riders still cant understand the principals and dangers or risk that they put themselves or others in by their actions on approach to or actually on overtakes.

[@mosshague3313]

so which riders cant understand the principals and dangers? your saying few riders or training people dsa or advanced are getting it right, but you havnt explained how do people can overatke safely? you seem to know more than anyone else so please share so we can all overtake properly

[@krytenLister]

"It appears that even when trained to advanced level some riders still cant understand the principals and dangers" ....Then they are NOT advanced riders. Having a certificate does not make you an "advanced" rider.

[@judgedredd49]

I am amazed about the information and the diagrams that are being shown to indicate the positions that one could or should be in in order to approach the target vehicle and commence an overtake. The information is wrong just like the diagrams are wrong and its no wonder that riders get themselves into difficulties by following such advice. Don't get me wrong a lot of the information and advice is good but that doesn't compensate for the bad advice or poor and misleading graphics.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

thank you for your comments. I am sorry you feel that so much is wrong, please e mail me with your observations as to what is wrong a matter of urgency so no one is misled and i will happily review and change if appropriate. Please also include your professional motorcycle qualifications. Thank you.

[@MGman100]

Still waiting for Judge Dredd's credentials and qualifications. Gone rather quiet.

[@mosshague3313]

@@MGman100 yeah, hes prob busy making a video showin us all how to overtake!

[@MGman100]

@@mosshague3313 I'm looking forward to it. Nothing like hearing it from a real expert 🤔😉

[@judgedredd49]

@@MGman100 Not quite. No rush. Still here just watching what my comments have started.

[@motorcycleman6898]

Thank you for sharing this useful advice. Graphics and talked through overtakes are good tuition tools.

[@MotorcyclePWR]

@Motorcycle Man thank you for commenting, much appreciated