Speed questions in the learner’s test fall into two groups: the general speed limits, which you must know by heart, and stopping distance, where you need to understand why speed matters so much.
General speed limits
These limits apply on every road even when no sign is shown. A road traffic sign can set a different limit.
| Road or vehicle | Limit |
|---|---|
| Any public road in an urban area | 60 km/h |
| Public roads outside an urban area, other than freeways | 100 km/h |
| Freeways | 120 km/h |
| Buses and minibuses | 100 km/h |
| Goods vehicles with a GVM of more than 9 000 kg, and heavy combinations and articulated vehicles over 9 000 kg | 80 km/h |
A limit is the maximum speed allowed, not a target. Exceeding it is an offence, and you may not exceed it even while overtaking.
Stopping distance
The distance you need to stop has two parts:
- Reaction distance: how far you travel between seeing the danger and starting to brake. It grows in direct proportion to your speed, and it grows further if you are tired, distracted or have been drinking.
- Braking distance: how far the vehicle travels once the brakes are on. It grows with the square of your speed, so doubling your speed roughly quadruples your braking distance.
Your stopping distance is also longer on a wet or loose road, with worn tyres or poor brakes, and when the vehicle is heavily loaded.
Choosing a safe speed
- Drive at a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see is clear.
- Slow down in rain, fog, at night and on gravel, even if you are below the limit.
- Keep at least a two-second following distance, more in poor conditions.
- Slow down early for hazards such as bends, intersections, schools and road works.
Test yourself
These questions come from the K53TestsOnline question bank. Choose an answer to see if you are right.
A speed limit of … should apply in respect of every public road other than a freeway situated outside an urban area
Practise more rules of the road questions
The distance it takes the driver of a motor vehicle to stop is_____(i) longer on a wet road than a dry road (ii) longer if the vehicle is traveling at a higher speed. (iii) longer if the vehicle is loaded.
Practise more vehicle controls questions