You want to overtake a horse-drawn carriage on a rural road. What is the right course of action?

When overtaking a horse-drawn carriage, it is crucial to ensure safety for both the carriage and yourself.

First, looking for hand signals from the driver (choice 1) is important because it indicates whether the driver intends to make a turn or maneuver, allowing you to make an informed decision about when to overtake. This reflects the principle of communication and awareness of other road users, as outlined in the German traffic regulations.

Second, maintaining a sufficient distance when pulling back in (choice 2) is essential to avoid causing panic or danger to the horse and carriage. Accidents can easily occur if a vehicle swoops too closely back into the lane after overtaking without appropriate spacing.

Both of these actions promote safety and respect for all road users, especially vulnerable ones like horse-drawn carriages. The third choice, maintaining the smallest possible side clearance, is not advisable as it can pose a risk to the horse and driver, which is why it is not included in the correct answer. Overall, adhering to the correct combination helps to ensure a safer environment on rural roads.