Safe speeds
Tips and quizzes for maintaining safe speeds
Good drivers and riders keep learning
Tips to help you chose a safe speed
- Good drivers and riders chose safe and legal speeds.
- Drive to the conditions, not just within the speed limit. Weather, traffic, visibility and other people travelling in different ways should all affect the speed you travel.
- Slow down in places where you may see people who walk, wheel or cycle. For example, near shops, schools, parks, community buildings, health services and busy junctions or crossings.
- Don't let pressure change your speed. Being late, someone following you too closely or encouragement from passengers are never good reasons to speed.
- Use in‑vehicle or on‑bike technology such as speed limiters or Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) to help you choose and manage your speed safely. This tool must not replace your judgement.
- Stay focused. Physical and thought distractions could cause you to miss speed signs or reduce the time you need to see and respond to hazards safely.
- Know the speed limits for your vehicle. Some vehicles, trailers, and caravans have lower speed limits. Refer to the speed limits guidance on the GOV.UK website.
- Slow down, even when the road feels quiet. Driving at a safe and legal speed gives you more time to react. This is more important at night, when visibility is reduced, you may be tired or impacted by headlight glare.
- Read the road. Signs, junctions, lighting, and nearby activity will all help you judge a safe speed, not just the legal speed limit signs.
- Using 3rd gear in 30mph (miles per hour) limits will help you maintain a safe and steady speed
