After overtaking another vehicle on a 2-lane road, how can you determine it's safe to return to the right-hand lane?

Returning to the right-hand lane after overtaking another vehicle is a crucial maneuver that requires careful judgment to ensure safety. The correct approach is to determine when you can see the overtaken vehicle in your rearview mirror. This is important because it indicates that you have successfully cleared the other vehicle enough to switch lanes without risking a collision.

When the overtaken vehicle is visible in your rearview mirror, it means you have put sufficient distance between your car and the other vehicle, allowing for a safe merge back into your lane. This visual confirmation helps to ensure that the overtaken vehicle is far enough behind you to avoid any potential hazards.

In contrast, looking at the speed of the overtaken vehicle or noticing that there are no cars in front does not account for the safety distance required after overtaking. The sound of the engine from another vehicle is also not a reliable indicator for making lane changes. Hence, determining safety based on visibility in the rearview mirror is a proven method for ensuring that it's safe to return to the right-hand lane after passing.