Speed Limit Signs

Speed limit signs tell drivers and riders the maximum speed they must not exceed on different types of UK roads. This page explains what these speed limit signs mean, how to recognise them quickly, and links to every individual road sign in this category so you can revise them for your car theory test, motorcycle theory test, HGV / LGV theory test, PCV theory test, or ADI Part 1 theory test.

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What are speed limit signs?

Speed limit signs are part of the UK road and traffic sign system used to give drivers and riders clear, legal limits for how fast they may travel on a particular stretch of road. They help you understand when limits change, where lower or higher limits apply, and when the national speed limit is in force, so you can plan your journey safely and confidently.

You'll usually see:

  • Circular speed limit signs with a number inside a red circle, showing the maximum speed you must not exceed.
  • National speed limit signs indicating that the default limit for that type of road now applies.
  • Speed limit repeater signs reminding you of the current limit along the road, especially on longer stretches.
  • Variable and temporary speed limit signs used on smart motorways or near road works where limits can change.

Understanding these speed limit signs is essential if you regularly drive on unfamiliar roads, in busy towns and cities or on rural and high-speed routes - and they can all appear in your DVSA driving theory test and hazard perception test.

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Whether you still need to book your UK theory test or you're focusing on extra revision on speed limit signs and the rest of the DVSA theory test syllabus, pick the option that best matches your DVSA theory test journey.

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Already booked your DVSA theory test and just need to revise? Get started with Driving Theory 4 All's AI-powered theory test app and online Learning Zone to revise the latest DVSA material and all UK road signs, including speed limit signs.

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Essential speed limit signs you need to know for the DVSA theory test

The DVSA driving theory test can include questions about speed limit signs.

When you revise with Driving Theory 4 All, you'll see these speed limit signs along with DVSA revision questions, hazard perception practice clips, and unlimited mock theory tests.

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Use this section to quickly find common speed limit signs in the UK road and traffic sign system. Select a sign to open its dedicated page.

Area where speed cameras are in use sign

Rectangular - white Speed Speed limit signs
View area where speed cameras are in use sign

End of 20 mph zone and start of 30 mph speed limit sign

Circular - white with a red border Speed Rectangular - white Speed limit signs
View end of 20 mph zone and start of 30 mph speed limit sign

End of minimum speed requirement sign

Circular - blue with white writing Speed Speed limit signs
View end of minimum speed requirement sign

End of road works and any temporary speed limit through those works sign

Triangular Road works Speed limit signs
View end of road works and any temporary speed limit through those works sign

Entrance to a zone where a 20 mph speed limit is enforced by traffic calming measures sign

Rectangular - white Speed Boundary name Speed limit signs
View entrance to a zone where a 20 mph speed limit is enforced by traffic calming measures sign

Length of road where two cameras are used to measure the average speed of a vehicle between two points sign

Rectangular - white Speed Speed limit signs
View length of road where two cameras are used to measure the average speed of a vehicle between two points sign

Maximum speed of 30 mph, at a bend sign

Triangular Bend in the road Speed Speed limit signs
View maximum speed of 30 mph, at a bend sign

Maximum speed of 40 mph sign

Circular - white with a red border Speed Speed limit signs
View maximum speed of 40 mph sign

Minimum speed of 30 mph permitted, unless it is impracticable or unsafe to comply sign

Circular - blue with white writing Speed Speed limit signs
View minimum speed of 30 mph permitted, unless it is impracticable or unsafe to comply sign

Recently introduced speed limit sign

Rectangular - red Speed Speed limit signs
View recently introduced speed limit sign

Reminder that enforcement cameras are in use sign

Rectangular - white Speed Speed limit signs
View reminder that enforcement cameras are in use sign

Speed camera nearby on a lit road with a 30 mph speed limit sign

Rectangular - blue Speed Speed limit signs
View speed camera nearby on a lit road with a 30 mph speed limit sign

Speed camera nearby on an unlit road subject to the national speed limit sign

Rectangular - blue Speed Speed limit signs
View speed camera nearby on an unlit road subject to the national speed limit sign

Start of a speed limit at the boundary of a town or village sign

Circular - white with a red border Speed Boundary name Speed limit signs
View start of a speed limit at the boundary of a town or village sign

The national speed limit sign

Circular - white and black Speed Speed limit signs
View the national speed limit sign

View our full UK road signs directory

Previous: Signs for Road Works and Temporary SituationsNext: The Signing System

Source: Department for Transport - Know Your Traffic Signs. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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