Because you come so close to other vehicles, overtaking is one of the most hazardous motorcycle manoeuvres a rider can make. Focus, patience and good judgment are required.

• Before overtaking, pause to judge the speed of the immediate oncoming vehicle. You need enough clear road to pass and pull back in safely before coming to within 100 metres of it.
• Don't follow too closely, even if you're about to overtake. Keeping back allows better forward vision, and provided the road is dry, more time to accelerate before passing.
• Maintain the maximum distance from any vehicle you're passing and move to the far side of the overtaking lane. If a vehicle pulls out at the same time, you won't be hit.
• Avoid overtaking a line of closely following vehicles, as they have to make room for you to pull back in.
• Don't follow four-wheeled vehicles while they overtake.
• Refrain from passing when there's an intersection, side road or rest area ahead, as oncoming traffic may pull out.
• Be cautious when overtaking other riders because they may be unaware of your presence, may not be expecting to be overtaken, or take it as a challenge to race.
• Allow other vehicles in front of you to overtake and pull back in before you start your manoeuvres.

Overtaking large vehicles

Indicate and flash your headlight to warn the driver. As you make your move, give the vehicle a wide berth, which limits the possibility of being sucked - by their wake - into their right rear corner.

Once you've made the decision to go... go!

Never overtake around a left-hand curve, even on a multi-lane road because you can't see far enough ahead. Wait for a straight section or a right-hand curve.

Overtaking in the rain

Overtake only when the road is straight, and preferably where there is a passing lane. When the way is clear, pull out smoothly and gently without accelerating. Now you can see the road surface you're about to ride over and the road ahead.

This also puts you in an upright position as you start to accelerate smoothly past the vehicle. After completing your pass, slow down while still upright and pull in gently.

Being overtaken

Don't take it personally. Being a lightweight on a road of heavyweights is more than enough to worry about, let alone being overtaken.

Always travel at the speed of the traffic flow. This lessens the likelihood of being overtaken and increases awareness of any fast moving motorcycles about to pass you.

If another rider is crowding you, maintain your position on the road, wave to indicate you'd like to be overtaken and allow them to pass. Move to the left of your lane and be prepared to slow down to allow their manoeuvre to be completed as quickly as possible. Resist the urge to speed up.

Beware of vehicles overtaking you at the last moment in order to use a motorway exit lane.

Lane filtering

This is when a motorcyclist rides alongside a long line of stationary or very slow moving traffic. Avoid if possible, as it's unsafe and frowned upon by other motorists who may move over to prevent you from passing.

Ride very slowly with your headlights on and watch for doors being opened and pedestrians moving about. Never cross the centreline, as an oncoming vehicle will require you to push into the queue. Avoid moving between rows because you will be blocked or crushed if a vehicle moves over towards you.

Do not travel in the breakdown lane, as it's illegal. You're also breaking the law if you cross the centreline between dual carriage ways ie crossing the center line between double lanes of opposing traffic.