When passing a bicyclist, what clearance should you give?

Study for the Nova Scotia Drivers Beginners Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The core idea here is that cyclists deserve a wide, safe buffer when being overtaken. You should slow down and pass with at least one metre of clearance to give the rider room to maneuver and to reduce the chance of hitting them if they wobble or if a door opens on parked cars. This one-metre rule is a clear safety standard in Nova Scotia, and it applies regardless of road width or traffic volume. If there isn’t enough space to pass safely with that clearance, you wait until you can pass with the required distance. Honking or rushing the pass isn’t a substitute for safe separation, and passing while maintaining the same speed increases risk. The safest approach is to reduce speed, ensure there’s ample room, check for oncoming traffic, and then pass smoothly and only when you can do so safely.