Passing a person riding a bicycle requires more than checking whether the car can physically squeeze through. A responsible instructor teaches a learner to protect a vulnerable road user, select a safe passing opportunity and understand the legal minimum clearance.
State the clearance rule precisely
In South Australia, when overtaking a bicycle rider, drivers must allow at least one metre of clearance where the speed limit applying to the driver is 60 km/h or less. Where the applicable speed limit is more than 60 km/h, the minimum clearance is 1.5 metres. These are minimum lateral clearances, not invitations to pass at high speed or brush closely past somebody on a narrow road. A prudent driver may need to give more space because of surface conditions, wind or the bicycle rider’s path.
The Driver’s Handbook recognises that crossing centre dividing lines or straddling lanes to pass a bicycle rider may be permitted when there is a clear view and it is safe to do so. Instructors must teach those specific conditions, not a general permission to cross any line whenever convenient. Oncoming vehicles, visibility and other restrictions still matter. If clearance cannot be achieved safely, wait behind the rider until a suitable opportunity exists.
Use ‘wait, observe, pass’ as the learning sequence
Teach the learner to identify the cyclist early, ease off the accelerator and maintain a suitable following distance rather than approaching their rear wheel closely. Scan the opposite direction and the road edges for driveways, parked vehicles and islands. Consider whether the cyclist may need to move around gravel, potholes or parked cars. Overtake only when the entire move can be completed safely and with sufficient clearance.
After passing, avoid moving back left sharply across the cyclist’s path. Keep watching the road ahead and allow the rider adequate space. Positioning should be planned; instructors should not coach a fixed lane offset that ignores the actual road width.
Turn a legal rule into observable behaviour
Ask the learner what forced them to wait and why their chosen passing point was safer. Look for early recognition, reduced speed, sufficient clearance and an unhurried return to normal road position. Keep feedback factual: ‘You waited until the oncoming vehicle passed and maintained room beside the rider’ is more useful than simply ‘Good overtake’.
Official references and further learning
- Driver’s Handbook: Overtaking
- Driver’s Handbook: Sharing the road
- South Australian Australian Road Rules
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Instructor education only. Refer to current South Australian legislation and official guidance before using this information in formal training or assessment.