You're driving on the motorway in windy conditions. What should you do as you overtake a high-sided vehicle? Be wary of a sudden gust.

Why This Matters

High-sided vehicles like lorries or vans create strong air turbulence and draughts that can push your car out of its lane, especially when wind gusts hit. Official UK DVSA driving theory guidance stresses this exact scenario, noting that sudden gusts combined with the vehicle's slipstream make overtaking risky without caution. Keeping both hands on the wheel helps you maintain full control if your car sways.

Key Actions to Take

  • Give plenty of room : Stay further out from the vehicle than usual—don't hug the lane edge.
  • Reduce speed slightly : Accelerate smoothly but avoid rushing; match conditions for stability.
  • Grip the wheel firmly : Two hands at 9 and 3 o'clock position to counter any sudden push.
  • Watch for swaying : The high-sided vehicle itself might wobble, creating unpredictable wind pockets.

Imagine you're in a lightweight car passing a towering truck on the M25 during a gale— that invisible "wall of wind" can feel like a shove from behind, testing your reactions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't increase speed to "power through," as it reduces control. Never drive alongside too closely, expecting normal conditions; that's a recipe for being buffeted into traffic. Forum drivers on Reddit echo this, sharing tales of near-misses in wet, windy UK weather where overtaking too tight led to panic swerves.

Real-World Insights

UK Highway Code Rule 232 advises extra vigilance around large vehicles in adverse weather. Recent 2025 theory test videos highlight this as a top question, with pass rates improving for those who prioritise gust awareness. Motorcyclists face even bigger risks, so the same logic applies—extra space saves lives.

TL;DR : Be wary of a sudden gust —it's the official answer, backed by DVSA and real driver experiences for safer motorway overtakes.

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