If another driver signals their intention to overtake your vehicle, what should you do to help them pass safely?
- Slow down and provide them space to pass ✓
- Stick to the middle of the road
- Flash your headlights to warn oncoming cars
- Speed up to put distance between your vehicles
Answer: A. Slow down and provide them space to pass
Slow down and give the passing driver room to complete the pass safely.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says that when another driver signals they want to overtake you, you should help them pass safely by reducing your speed and giving them room. It also warns against waving or directing others to pass, since that can push them into a risky pass they cannot finish. The simple, supported action is to ease off your speed and open up space rather than compete with the passing vehicle.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Stick to the middle of the road — Holding the middle of the road leaves the overtaking driver no clear room and works against helping them pass.
- C. Flash your headlights to warn oncoming cars — Flashing your headlights at oncoming traffic is not what the handbook describes; it tells you to slow down and give room instead.
- D. Speed up to put distance between your vehicles — Speeding up stretches out the maneuver and makes the pass harder, which is the opposite of helping.
Remember it
When someone wants around you, be the easy car: lift off the throttle and leave a gap.
Official handbook: ICBC Driving Commercial Vehicles, 3 Basic driving skills – Parking, p. 50