Lanes for passing — Maine Permit Test

In general you should pass on the left; passing on the right is dangerous because other drivers do not expect it and cars on the right are harder to see.

A driver who passes on the right is in the blind spot of a car that moves right without looking.

Passing on the right can be dangerous because other drivers don't expect it.

Never pass a vehicle by driving off the pavement or main traveled part of the road.

A car passing on the shoulder hits a stopped car, a walker or loose gravel it cannot steer on.

Never pass a vehicle by driving off the pavement or main traveled portion of the roadway.

You may pass on the right when the car you are passing is making a left turn and there is room for two or more lanes to move the same way.

A driver stuck behind a left-turner with room to go around holds up a whole line for no reason.

When the car you are passing is making a left turn and there is room for two or more lanes to move in the same direction.

You may pass on the right when the car you are passing is in the left lane of a road with two or more marked lanes going the same way.

A driver who will not move past a slow car in the left lane of a highway stacks up traffic behind him.

When the car you are passing is in the left lane on a street or highway with two or more marked lanes for traffic to move in the same direction.

Why is passing on the right dangerous?

Other drivers do not expect it. A driver who passes on the right is in the blind spot of a car that moves right without looking. Maine Driver’s License Manual, p.56: “Passing on the right can be dangerous because other drivers don't expect it.”