Do You Know Your Speed Limits?

Whether you are a learner or a new driver it is essential that you can identify the speed limit for the road that you are travelling along. In 2017 penalties for speeding were drastically increased. The fixed penalty three points were increased to 6 points. The hundred pounds fine was increased depending on your income. As per the new drivers’ act, any driver who receives six or more penalty points within the first two years of passing the driving test will have their licence automatically revoked. The driver then needs to reapply for a provisional driving licence and then retake both theory and practical driving tests again.

I didn’t see any speed Signs

Not knowing the speed limit of the road is not an acceptable excuse. You are simply expected to know. The speed signs hiding behind a bush, it was dark and raining or the speed suddenly changed. These are not acceptable excuses. You are expected to drive within the speed limit at all times. All speed limits are maximum limits, they are not targets to be reached.

20 MPH Speed Limits

20mph limits are usually found in high streets, town centres, and residential roads. They are also found near schools. Although not compulsory, 20 MPH roads usually have humps.

30 MPH Roads

The speed limit on all other built-up areas (Apart from 20 mph) is 30 mph. The Department of transport defines built-up areas as those with street lighting placed not more than 200 yards apart. Therefore, in the absence of speed signs, the speed limit on a built-up area is still 30 mph.

40 MPH and 50 MPH Roads

40 and 50 mph roads are often found on roads which are not built-up. However, these roads usually contain several hazards which prevent them from having the national speed limit applied to them. These hazards may be bends. They made to contain frequent roundabouts or other junctions. You may find other signs in between. It is usually these areas than most people are issued with speeding tickets.

60 MPH Single Carriageways

The national speed limit for a single carriageway for cars is 60 mph. A single carriageway is a road in which the traffic flowing in both directions is undivided. The word carriageway simply means road. Therefore a single carriageway means a single road. It makes no difference how many lanes it has. Many people incorrectly believe if the road has two lanes it becomes a dual carriageway.

70 MPH Dual Carriageways

The national speed limit for cars on a dual carriageway and motorways is 70 mph. Once again dual meaning two, carriageway meaning the road. So dual carriageway means two roads. One road going in one direction and another road in the opposite direction.

DTC Driving Test Services

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