Overtaking rules in Belgium: bans, cyclists and distances

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Overtaking is the most dangerous manoeuvre in driving and one of the most tested topics in the Belgian theory exam. The highway code sets where you may overtake, on which side, how much lateral space to give cyclists, and what the driver being overtaken must do.

Key points

On the left, in principle

Overtake on the left, except in specific cases.

1 m in town, 1.5 m outside

The minimum lateral distance when overtaking a cyclist.

Know the forbidden places

Hill crests, bends, zebra crossings, junctions: the exam tests them all.

When overtaking is allowed

Before overtaking you need sufficient visibility, a clear road over a long enough distance, not be overtaken yourself, and be able to move back to the right without hindering the vehicle you pass. Signal with your indicator and check mirrors and blind spot.

The driver being overtaken must keep to the right and must not speed up. A classic question: accelerating while being overtaken is a fault.

Where overtaking is forbidden

Sign C35 forbids overtaking vehicles with more than two wheels; it does not stop you overtaking a cyclist or motorcyclist when you can do so without crossing a continuous line.

approaching a hill crest and on a bend without enough visibility;
approaching a zebra crossing and on it, when a vehicle has stopped to let pedestrians cross;
approaching a junction, unless you are on a priority road or the junction is controlled by lights or an officer;
approaching an unguarded level crossing;
where a continuous white line forbids it, or with sign C35 (no overtaking) or C39 (no overtaking for lorries).

Lateral distance and overtaking on the right

Overtaking on the right is allowed in a few cases: a vehicle positioned to turn left, a tram in the middle of the road when there is room, and parallel queues in dense traffic. Otherwise, overtaking on the right is a serious fault.

Minimum lateral distance from a cyclist or moped rider
Where	Minimum distance
In a built-up area	1 metre
Outside a built-up area	1.5 metres

Ending the overtaking manoeuvre correctly

To finish, move back to the right as soon as possible, once you can see the overtaken vehicle in your interior mirror, and signal your return. Cutting back in too early means cutting across the overtaken driver: this is one of the most searched exam questions in English ("what must you do to end an overtaking manoeuvre").

Practise this topic with real exam questions

Reading a rule is not enough: in the Belgian theory exam every question is asked on a photo of a real traffic situation, with answers that look deliberately alike. On PermisBelges, every topic of the highway code is practised with questions in the GOCA exam format, each one corrected and explained.

A free account gives access to the lessons, the free mock exams and progress tracking. Premium unlocks every exam simulation, detailed statistics per topic and targeted revision of your mistakes until exam day.

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Frequently asked questions

How much space must I give a cyclist?

At least 1 metre in a built-up area and 1.5 metres outside.

Can I overtake on the right?

Only in specific cases: a vehicle turning left, a central tram, parallel queues in dense traffic.

Does sign C35 forbid overtaking a bicycle?

No, it forbids overtaking vehicles with more than two wheels.

Can I overtake at a junction?

No, except on a priority road or at a junction controlled by lights or an officer.

What must the driver being overtaken do?

Keep to the right and not speed up.