In Kenya, mastering the rules of the road is crucial for safe driving and passing the NTSA driving test. One common question that trips up learners is, “Which side do you overtake from?” The answer is straightforward: you overtake from the right side. This article breaks down Kenya’s overtaking rules, why they matter, and how to apply them safely, ensuring you’re ready for the road and the driving exam.
Understanding Kenya’s Road Rules for Overtaking
Kenya’s road regulations, as outlined in the NTSA’s Highway Code, mandate that drivers keep left unless overtaking. This rule aligns with the country’s left-hand driving system, where vehicles travel on the left side of the road. Overtaking on the right ensures smoother traffic flow and reduces the risk of collisions, especially on busy roads like Thika Superhighway or Mombasa Road. According to the NTSA, failing to follow this rule can lead to accidents, fines, or penalties during driving tests.
Here’s why overtaking on the right is standard:
- Visibility: The right side offers a clearer view of oncoming traffic, critical on Kenya’s often narrow highways.
- Consistency: Uniform rules prevent confusion, especially in urban areas like Nairobi or Mombasa.
- Safety: Overtaking on the left is only permitted in specific cases, reducing erratic maneuvers.
When Can You Overtake on the Right?
Overtaking on the right is allowed under specific conditions to ensure safety. The NTSA emphasizes that drivers must assess the road before overtaking. Here are key scenarios where overtaking on the right is permitted:
- Clear Road Ahead: Ensure no oncoming vehicles or obstacles, such as pedestrians or livestock, common on rural Kenyan roads.
- Vehicle Signaling Right: If the vehicle ahead signals a right turn, you may overtake on the right if it’s safe.
- Multi-Lane Roads: On highways with multiple lanes, like Ngong Road, use the rightmost lane for overtaking, then return to the left.
Always signal your intent, check mirrors, and avoid overtaking at junctions, roundabouts, or where “No Overtaking” signs are present, as these are common test failure points.
Exceptions: When Overtaking on the Left is Allowed
While overtaking on the right is the norm, there are exceptions where overtaking on the left is permissible:
- Vehicle Turning Right: If the vehicle ahead is turning right and has signaled, you can overtake on the left if it’s safe.
- One-Way Traffic: On one-way roads with multiple lanes, like parts of Nairobi’s CBD, overtaking on the left is allowed.
- Accident or Obstruction: If an accident blocks the right side, you may overtake on the left, provided there’s enough space.
These exceptions require caution. For instance, on roads like Waiyaki Way, where matatus often stop abruptly, overtaking on the left demands extra vigilance to avoid pedestrians or sudden lane changes.
Tips for Safe Overtaking and Passing the NTSA Test
To ace the NTSA driving test and drive safely, mastering overtaking rules is essential. Here are practical tips:
- Check Surroundings: Use mirrors and look over your shoulder to confirm the road is clear.
- Signal Early: Indicate your intent to overtake well in advance to alert other drivers.
- Avoid Risky Areas: Don’t overtake near schools, hospitals, or where “No Hooting” signs are posted, as these are sensitive zones in Kenya.
- Practice Patience: On busy roads like Jogoo Road, wait for a safe gap rather than rushing to overtake.
By internalizing these rules, you’ll not only pass the NTSA test but also contribute to safer roads in Kenya. Always prioritize safety, as reckless overtaking is a leading cause of accidents, alongside overspeeding and overloading.
