When not to pass — Maine Permit Test

At highway speeds you and an oncoming car each travel over 800 feet in 10 to 12 seconds, so passing with an oncoming car needs over 1,600 feet, about one-third of a mile.

Two cars closing at highway speed eat up a long road very fast.

That means you need over 1600 feet or about one-third of a mile to pass safely (use your odometer to get to know what this distance looks like).

An oncoming car far away can seem to be standing still, so its speed is hard to judge and it may be too close to start a pass.

A car that looks parked a third of a mile off may be closing at 55 mph.

A car far enough away seems to be standing still.

Any time a curve or hill blocks your view, assume an oncoming car is just out of sight, and do not start a pass within one-third of a mile of a hill or curve.

The car you cannot see over the hill is the one that meets you head on.

Any time your view is blocked by a curve or a hill, you should assume that there is an oncoming car just out of sight.

Do not pass at intersections, crossroads or shopping center entrances, where someone is likely to enter or cross the road.

The car you are passing hides the car pulling out of the side road.

Passing is dangerous at intersections, crossroads, and shopping center entrances.

Never pass when approaching a railroad crossing or a bridge.

A pass that runs out of road at a bridge or crossing leaves nowhere to go.

When approaching a railroad crossing or bridge

Passing at highway speed with a car coming, about how much clear road do you need?

Over 1,600 feet. Two cars closing at highway speed eat up a long road very fast. Maine Driver’s License Manual, p.67: “That means you need over 1600 feet or about one-third of a mile to pass safely (use your odometer to get to know what this distance looks like).”