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A DRIVING instructor has revealed whether undertaking is actually illegal and if you could be prosecuted for it.

Richard Fanders, who runs Conquer Driving, busted some popular myths about the controversial practice on his YouTube channel.

Driving instructor Richard Fanders busted some common myths about undertaking
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Driving instructor Richard Fanders busted some common myths about undertakingCredit: Youtube /@Conquer Driving

Undertaking is the practice of passing other cars while using the left-hand lane on a dual carriageway.

Brits are always taught to use the right-hand lane to overtake before pulling back in when possible to leave it clear for others.

Indeed, this has led many to believe that road laws actually prohibit undertaking - but that is not actually the case.

Before explaining, Richard tackled a common misconception about what a dual carriageway actually is.

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It does not mean a road with two lanes of traffic travelling in the same direction.

Instead, it is any road with two carriageways, meaning one featuring a central reservation with at least one lane on each side of it.

As such, rules about undertaking apply to most of Britain's major roads, so it's vital to know the law.

Discussing the practice, Richard explained: "In Great Britain, undertaking isn't strictly illegal.

"There is a rule in the Highway Code which states when you can pass on the left.

"If your lane is going faster than the traffic on the right...then you can keep up with the traffic in your lane.

"But you shouldn't move to the left lane to pass traffic."

However, despite it being legal in some circumstances, Richard warned that undertaking improperly can still get you fined or up in front of a magistrate.

Undertaking outside of the limits situations he described or doing so at high speed, close to other cars or very suddenly could see you collared for dangerous driving.

Penalties for this include a potentially unlimited fine and 11 points on your licence depending on the severity of the case.

It also carries a minimum two-year driving ban if you are convicted.

Harsher penalties, including prison time, can be dolled out if the dangerous driving leads to serious injury or death.

It comes after new research revealed that pedestrians are "in danger" as only a quarter of drivers appear to be aware of a major Highway Code change.

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