(Note left/right here is for driving on the right, for driving on the left 
countries reverse the left/rights).

Here we have two important rules for multi-lane roads, one is that you 
should only move out to the left to overtake someone, and secondly you are 
not allowed to pass anyone on the right side (there are some exceptions for 
queues etc).  I know it's not like this in all countries.

As anyone who has driven probably knows already, the problem comes when 
someone stays in the left lane when they are not overtaking anyone and you 
want to go faster than them.  What are you meant to do if you are behind 
them in this situation?  What if you are directly behind in the same lane, 
or what if you approach them in the right lane?

I always wanted to ask someone in authority this question as appears there 
is no perfect option.

For me I usually wait around 5 seconds behind them in the same lane, then 
usually pull over to the right lane and wait there for a further 5-10 
seconds leaving them plenty of space to pull over if they want.  If they 
still do not move then I usually accelerate and swiftly pass on the right 
being ready to move over into the hard shoulder if they suddenly decide to 
change lanes.

My girlfriend says that I should flash them and not overtake on the right, 
but IME this is easily interpretted as quite aggressive behaviour and could 
lead to more problems (eg them still not moving over or even worse 
deliberate braking or other aggressive behaviour).

What do you do?

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