Speed Limits
Speed limits are the maximum legal speeds you can drive on different types of UK roads. They're
designed to keep drivers, riders and other road users safe. Knowing the national speed limits, how to spot local
speed limit changes and when you should drive below the limit is essential for passing the
DVSA driving theory test and for staying safe on
real UK roads.
Use this Speed Limits guide to learn the key rules for learner drivers, see how they apply in
everyday driving, and help you prepare for the UK
car theory test,
motorcycle theory test,
HGV / LGV theory test,
PCV theory test, or
ADI Part 1 DVSA theory test.
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What are speed limits?
Speed limits set the maximum legal speed for a road or stretch of road. They depend on the
type of road and the type of vehicle you're driving. In the UK, you'll usually see speed limits shown on
circular signs with a red border, and sometimes on road markings or electronic signs.
As a learner driver or rider, you must be able to:
- Recognise the national speed limits for different types of roads.
- Spot and respond to local speed limit changes such as 20 mph zones or temporary limits.
- Understand when to drive below the posted speed limit because of road, weather or traffic conditions.
In your theory test and practical driving test, you will be expected to know the key UK speed limits and
show that you can choose a safe, legal speed for the conditions.
Key speed limit rules
As a learner driver or rider, you need to show that you understand the main UK speed limits and when you
must slow down for safety. Here are the key speed limit rules you should know:
-
The speed limit is a maximum, not a target – you must always choose a speed that is safe
for the road, traffic and weather conditions.
-
In built-up areas (often with street lighting), the default limit is normally
30 mph unless signs show otherwise.
-
On single carriageways, the national speed limit for cars and motorcycles is generally
60 mph, unless signs show a different limit.
-
On dual carriageways and motorways, the national speed limit for cars and motorcycles is
generally 70 mph, unless a lower limit is shown.
-
Many areas have 20 mph limits, especially near schools, residential streets and busy town
centres – you must obey these signs.
-
You must obey temporary speed limits shown at road works or on electronic signs, even if
they are lower than the usual limit.
-
If the road is busy, narrow, or visibility is poor (for example in rain, fog or at night), it may be unsafe
to drive at the full speed limit. Slow down and leave extra room.
These speed limit rules are based on the Highway Code's guidance on speed limits (Rules 124-125) and driving at a speed that's
safe for the conditions. Want to see the official Highway Code speed limit rules?
View the Highway Code speed limit rules.
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Speed limits you need to know
Here are some typical UK speed limits for cars and motorcycles. Always check for road signs, local variations
and lower limits for other vehicle types:
- Built-up areas: usually 30 mph (may be 20 mph in some zones).
- Single carriageways: national speed limit generally 60 mph.
- Dual carriageways: national speed limit generally 70 mph.
- Motorways: national speed limit generally 70 mph, unless signs show a lower limit.
Remember that some vehicles – such as large goods vehicles, buses/coaches and vehicles towing trailers – have
lower speed limits than cars and motorcycles.
Speed limits in real driving situations
Speed limits are not just numbers for the theory test – they're essential for safe everyday driving. You'll
use them every time you:
- Drive through built-up areas with pedestrians, cyclists and parked cars on both sides of the road.
- Join or leave faster roads like dual carriageways and motorways.
- Drive past schools, road works or in residential streets with 20 mph limits.
- Adjust your speed for bends, hills, bad weather or poor visibility, even when the posted limit is higher.
In your practical driving test, examiners will expect you to obey speed limits, avoid driving too fast for the
conditions and also avoid driving unreasonably slowly when it is safe to travel at or near the limit.
Speed limits in the DVSA theory test
Speed limits appear throughout the multiple-choice part of the DVSA theory test. You may be asked:
- What the national speed limit is on a particular type of road.
- Which speed limit applies in a built-up area with street lighting.
- How speed limits change when towing a trailer or driving a larger vehicle.
- How fast you should drive in poor weather, even if the limit is higher.
Explore a sample of the latest DVSA theory test revision questions in Driving Theory 4 All's
theory test questions and answers
section.
Source: Department for Transport (GOV.UK) - The Highway Code. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.