Passing — New York Driver's License Practice Test

This chapter explains that passing on the left is the standard method in New York, while passing on the right is only allowed in specific situations, and covers the correct technique for checking mirrors and blind spots before moving back into the right lane. It also sets out where passing on the left is prohibited outright, such as near obscured curves, hilltops, railroad crossings, and bridges.

The most heavily tested material covers the exact conditions that forbid passing on the left — a solid yellow center line, not being able to safely return before oncoming traffic gets close, or approaching a spot with obstructed visibility — as well as giving motorcycles a full lane width and never passing a vehicle stopped for pedestrians at a crosswalk. School bus lights are also central: red flashing lights require traffic from both directions to stop, while yellow flashing lights mean slow down and prepare to stop.

A common mistake is thinking a divided or multi-lane highway is exempt from the school bus stop rule — the manual states this applies on all roadways statewide, including divided highways, so traffic from both directions must stop for red flashing lights. Another is pulling back into the right lane too soon after passing, before actually seeing the front of the passed vehicle in your mirror.