Overtaking & Lanes: practice questions

Question 1

On a multi-lane road in the UAE, you should normally overtake on the:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: Left

Because the UAE drives on the right, you pass slower traffic on the left and return to the right afterwards. Undertaking (passing on the right) is unsafe and generally not allowed.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, overtaking (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 2

When you are not overtaking, which lane should you keep to?

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: The right-hand lane(s)

Keep to the right when you are not overtaking, leaving the left lanes free for passing. Hogging the left lane blocks faster traffic and forces unsafe undertaking.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, keep right (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 3

Before starting to overtake, your first checks should be:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: Mirrors, blind spot and a clear gap ahead, then signal

Overtake only after checking mirrors and the blind spot, confirming the lane you will use is clear and there is enough room ahead, then signal your intention before moving out.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, overtaking procedure (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 4

You must not overtake where a solid line prohibits it, even if the road ahead looks clear.

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: True

A solid line marks where overtaking is unsafe, usually because of limited sight distance ahead. Crossing it to overtake is an offence regardless of how clear it appears at that instant.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, no-overtaking lines (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 5

After overtaking and passing the vehicle, you should:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: Signal and move back to the right when you can see it in your mirror with a safe gap

Once you can see the overtaken vehicle in your interior mirror, you have enough gap to return safely. Signal and move back to the right smoothly; do not cut in too soon or linger in the passing lane.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, completing an overtake (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 6

You should NOT overtake when:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: Approaching a bend, junction, crest or pedestrian crossing

Never overtake where you cannot see far enough ahead or where conflicts are likely — bends, the brow of a hill, junctions and crossings. Wait for a long, clear, legal stretch.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, where not to overtake (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 7

Overtaking using the hard shoulder is prohibited and dangerous.

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: True

The hard shoulder is reserved for emergencies and breakdowns. Using it to pass traffic blocks emergency access and is a serious offence carrying a fine and black points.

Reference: UAE Government portal — new traffic laws and fines, hard shoulder misuse (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety/new-traffic-laws-and-fines, verified 2026-06)

Question 8

When a faster vehicle is approaching from behind to overtake you, you should:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: Keep a steady speed and stay right so it can pass

Help others overtake safely: hold a steady speed and keep right so they have room to pass. Speeding up, blocking or brake-checking the overtaking driver is dangerous and aggressive.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, being overtaken (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 9

Flashing your headlights repeatedly and tailgating to force a driver out of the left lane is:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: Aggressive driving and a punishable offence

Tailgating and flashing to bully another driver is intimidation and aggressive driving, which carries heavy penalties. Wait for the driver to move over, then overtake safely on the left when there is room.

Reference: UAE Government portal — new traffic laws and fines, aggressive driving (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety/new-traffic-laws-and-fines, verified 2026-06)

Question 10

Overtaking a long vehicle such as a truck needs extra care mainly because:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: It takes longer to pass and has large blind spots

A long vehicle takes more time and distance to get past and has large blind spots where the driver cannot see you. Pass decisively when clear, and do not linger alongside it.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, overtaking large vehicles (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 11

The speed limit applies while you are overtaking, just as at any other time.

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: True

You may not exceed the limit to complete an overtake. If you cannot pass safely within the limit, do not attempt it; wait for a better opportunity.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, overtaking and speed (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 12

Lane discipline means you should:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: Stay in one lane and change only with good reason, signal and checks

Good lane discipline keeps you in a single lane, changing only when needed and always with mirrors, a blind-spot check and a signal. Constant weaving is dangerous and unsettles the traffic around you.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, lane discipline (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 13

Why is changing several lanes at once (a 'lane sweep') dangerous?

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: You cannot properly check each lane you cross

Crossing multiple lanes in one move means you cannot safely check each one for vehicles in your blind spots. Change one lane at a time, settling and checking again before the next.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, one lane at a time (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 14

You should always signal in good time before changing lanes or overtaking.

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: True

Signalling early warns others of your intention so they can react. Signal before you start the manoeuvre, not as you are already moving across, and cancel it once done.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, signalling for lane changes (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 15

You begin to overtake but then see oncoming traffic or that the gap is too small. You should:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: Abort safely, ease back and tuck in behind the vehicle again

If an overtake turns unsafe, abandon it: ease off, check it is clear behind and drop back into your lane behind the vehicle. Never push on into a closing gap or oncoming traffic.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, aborting an overtake (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 16

On a two-lane two-way road, before overtaking you especially need to check:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: That there is no oncoming traffic and enough clear distance

On a two-way road you overtake using the oncoming lane, so you must be certain no vehicle is coming and you have enough clear road to pass and return safely before any oncoming car arrives.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, two-way overtaking (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 17

You should not overtake a vehicle that is itself overtaking or signalling to turn.

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: True

A vehicle that is overtaking or about to turn will change its position. Overtaking it at the same time risks a collision; wait until it has completed its move and the road is clear.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, do not overtake an overtaker (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 18

When overtaking a cyclist or motorcyclist, you should:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: Leave plenty of side clearance and pass slowly

Two-wheeled riders can wobble or be pushed by wind and gaps. Give them generous space when overtaking and pass at a moderate speed, returning only when well clear of them.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, overtaking vulnerable users (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 19

Sitting in another vehicle's blind spot for a long time is unsafe because:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: The other driver may change lane into you without seeing you

In a blind spot the other driver cannot see you in their mirrors, so they may move into your lane. Either drop back or move ahead so you stay visible, and pass through blind spots quickly.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, blind spots (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 20

Cutting back in front of a vehicle you have just overtaken without leaving a gap can cause a crash.

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: True

Cutting in too soon leaves the overtaken driver no braking space and can force them to brake hard or cause a rear-end crash. Only return when you can see the vehicle in your mirror with a safe gap.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, returning after overtaking (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 21

The leftmost lane on a multi-lane highway is mainly intended for:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: Overtaking, after which you move back to the right

The left lane is the overtaking lane; use it to pass and then return right. Cruising in it and blocking faster traffic is poor lane discipline and can be penalised.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, overtaking lane use (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 22

Continuously hogging the left (fast) lane below the limit and refusing to move over is:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: A traffic offence in the UAE

Staying in the leftmost lane and blocking faster traffic is an offence in the UAE. Keep right unless you are actively overtaking, and move over to let faster vehicles pass.

Reference: UAE Government portal — new traffic laws and fines, left-lane hogging (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety/new-traffic-laws-and-fines, verified 2026-06)

Question 23

If a vehicle behind wants to overtake but you cannot move right yet, you should still avoid speeding up.

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: True

Speeding up while someone is trying to pass turns a simple overtake into a dangerous chase. Hold a steady speed, and move right as soon as it is safe so they can complete the pass.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, courtesy when being overtaken (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 24

Why is overtaking just before a lane merge or a reducing number of lanes risky?

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: Vehicles are about to converge, leaving little room

Where lanes merge, traffic is funnelling together and space is shrinking, so an overtake there can trap you with nowhere to go. Hold back, let the merge settle, then proceed.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, overtaking near merges (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 25

A 'keep right except to overtake' rule mainly helps traffic by:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: Keeping a clear lane available for passing

If slower traffic keeps right, the left lane stays free for overtaking. This keeps the flow smooth and removes the need for risky passing on the right.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, keep-right principle (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 26

You should not overtake at a pedestrian crossing or where people are waiting to cross.

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: True

Overtaking at a crossing hides pedestrians and can put you in their path at speed. Never overtake at or approaching a pedestrian crossing; be ready to stop instead.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, overtaking at crossings (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 27

Weaving rapidly between lanes to get ahead in traffic is best described as:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: Dangerous, aggressive driving that raises crash risk

Constant weaving surprises other drivers, exploits gaps that may close and rarely saves real time. It is aggressive driving that sharply raises the risk of a collision.

Reference: UAE Government portal — new traffic laws and fines, weaving / aggressive driving (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/road-safety/new-traffic-laws-and-fines, verified 2026-06)

Question 28

Before moving back to the right after overtaking, the key check is to make sure:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: You are well clear of the vehicle you passed

Only return to the right-hand lane once the overtaken vehicle is clearly behind you with a safe gap. Returning too early forces it to brake and can cause a collision.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, safe return after overtaking (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 29

It is unsafe to overtake when you cannot be sure you have enough clear road to complete the manoeuvre.

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: True

Only overtake when you are certain of enough clear distance to pass and pull back in safely. If you have any doubt, stay back and wait for a better opportunity.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, judging overtaking distance (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 30

The overall aim of good lane discipline and overtaking rules is to:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: Make traffic predictable and safe for everyone

When drivers keep right, overtake only on the left and signal their moves, traffic becomes predictable. Predictable behaviour lets everyone anticipate and react, which is what keeps the road safe.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, lane discipline aim (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 31

When traffic is slow-moving in all lanes, passing on the right of slightly faster vehicles is:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: Still to be avoided; keep your lane and do not undertake

As a rule you do not undertake (pass on the right). In congested traffic, traffic in your lane may simply be moving faster, but you should keep your lane and not deliberately weave to undertake others.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, no undertaking (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 32

Choosing the correct lane well ahead of a junction or exit reduces the need for sudden lane changes.

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: True

Planning your lane early lets you move over calmly when there is a safe gap, instead of a dangerous last-second swerve at the junction or exit. Read signs in advance and position yourself.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, lane planning (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 33

You want to overtake but a vehicle is already overtaking you on your left. You should:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: Wait until it has passed and the lane is clear before moving out

Always check the lane you intend to use is clear, including for a vehicle already overtaking you. Let it complete its pass, then make your own move when the lane is genuinely free.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, checking before pulling out (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 34

In strong crosswinds, when overtaking a high-sided vehicle you should expect:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: A sudden gust as you clear it, so hold the wheel firmly

A large vehicle shelters you from the wind, then exposes you to a gust as you pass its front. Anticipate the buffet, keep a firm grip and pass smoothly so the wind does not push you off line.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, crosswinds when overtaking (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 35

Overtaking is never worth the risk if it only saves you a few seconds.

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: True

Most overtakes save only seconds but can risk a serious crash. Overtake only when it is clearly safe, legal and genuinely useful; otherwise stay back and be patient.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, is the overtake worth it (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 36

When a sign indicates 'no overtaking', it applies:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: Until a sign or markings show the restriction has ended

A no-overtaking sign stays in force until a sign or road marking lifts the restriction. Do not assume it has ended; wait for clear confirmation that overtaking is allowed again.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, no-overtaking signs (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 37

A safe overtake on a clear road generally needs you to:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: Plan it, do it decisively and finish it as soon as safe

A good overtake is planned, prompt and brief: signal, move out, pass without dawdling alongside, and return to the right as soon as you safely can. Drawn-out overtakes leave you exposed for longer.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, decisive overtaking (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 38

Repeatedly switching lanes to gain a small advantage usually increases risk without saving meaningful time.

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: True

Studies and experience show constant lane-switching rarely gets you there sooner because all lanes tend to even out, but it multiplies the chances of a collision. Pick a lane and stay calm.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, lane-switching risk (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 39

If you are unsure whether it is safe to overtake, the correct decision is to:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: Not overtake and wait for a clearly safe chance

If in doubt, do not overtake. Hold your position and wait until you are certain the road is clear, legal and there is enough room to pass and return safely.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, when in doubt do not overtake (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Question 40

Designated truck or slow-vehicle lanes (where signed) are intended to:

Also show in

Show answer

Correct answer: Keep slower, heavy traffic in their lanes so others flow safely

Where lanes are designated for trucks or slow vehicles, those vehicles should keep to them. This separates slow heavy traffic from faster cars, smoothing the flow and reducing conflict.

Reference: RTA — Driving Safely in Dubai handbook, designated lanes (https://licensing.rta.ae/handbook/DrivingSafelyInDubaiEN.pdf, verified 2026-06)

Overtaking & Lanes: practice questions

Related topics