when may you overtake on a one way street

On a typical UK-style driving theory basis, you may overtake on a one-way street on either the right or the left, as long as it is clearly safe and not prohibited by signs or road markings.

Core rule: where you may overtake

• You are allowed to pass other vehicles on either side on a one-way street, unlike on a normal two-way road where overtaking is usually only on the right.

• You must still obey all signs, lane arrows, and road markings; if they prohibit overtaking or lane changes, you cannot overtake even though the street is one-way.

• Use the lane that is most suitable for where you are going (for example, being in the correct lane for a junction) while planning any overtake.

When an overtake may be appropriate

• When the vehicle ahead is moving significantly slower than the general flow of traffic and there is clear space in an adjacent lane to pass safely.

• When you need to pass a stationary, parked, or broken‑down vehicle that is blocking your lane, provided you can move around it without crossing any prohibited markings.

• In multi‑lane one‑way systems (like city centres), where traffic routinely passes on different sides as lanes diverge, as long as signalling and lane discipline are followed.

Safety checks before overtaking

• Check mirrors and blind spots carefully, then signal in good time before changing lane to overtake.

• Ensure the space ahead and to the side is long enough to complete the manoeuvre smoothly without speeding or braking harshly.

• Adjust for conditions: reduce risk in poor visibility, wet or icy roads, and be extra cautious near junctions, crossings, or where pedestrians may step out.

Situations where you should not overtake

• Where signs, solid lines, chevrons, or other road markings effectively prohibit crossing into another lane or area to pass.

• When another vehicle may legitimately turn across your path (for example, a vehicle ahead indicating right in a multi‑lane one‑way street with side junctions).

• If an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind; in that case you should move aside and let it pass instead of starting an overtake.

TL;DR: On a one-way street you may overtake on either the right or the left, but only if it is clearly safe, legal under the signs and markings, and you carry out the manoeuvre with proper observation, signalling, and lane discipline.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.