What must you do before returning to your lane after overtaking a vehicle?

Before returning to your lane after overtaking a vehicle, it is essential to ensure that the way is clear. This means checking that there is sufficient space ahead of you in the lane you are moving into and that there are no other vehicles occupying that space. Ensuring the way is clear helps to maintain safety on the road, avoiding potential collisions with vehicles that may be in your blind spot or that may be closing in from behind.

While signaling your turn, checking your blind spot, and possibly accelerating may be part of the process when changing lanes, they must follow the fundamental step of making sure the lane is clear. This ensures that you can merge safely without jeopardizing the safety of yourself or other road users. Therefore, confirming that the way is clear is the critical step that lays the groundwork for the subsequent actions needed to complete the maneuver safely.