Erith

Crabtree Manorway North, Belvedere, Kent DA17 6LJ

Please not that from October 4th 2010 the DSA no longer publish Driving Test Routes. For more information on likely routes please contact your nearest local independent driving instructor.

Speed Limits

What are the national speed limits for cars and motorcycles?

• Motorway 70mph
• Dual Carriageway 70mph
• Single Carriageway 60mph
• Built up area 30mph
• Traffic calmed Area 20mph

How do I know whether the speed limit is 30 mph?

If there is street lighting (lamp posts), and if you cannot see speed limit signs on the lamp posts, then the default speed limit is 30 mph.

Why not just post the number, rather than the black and white slash?

Because the speed limits are different for different vehicles. For example, an articulated truck will need to stick to 40 mph on a single carriageway, whereas a car can drive at 60mph. You must know the speed limit for the type of vehicle you are driving.

Everybody drives 10mph over the speed limit, so why shouldn't I?

• Because if you hit someone, they are less likely to be dead afterwards
• Because you use less petrol
• Because you need to concentrate less
• Because you won't get there any quicker. Next time you are overtaken, take pleasure in knowing you will be right behind that vehicle at the next set of traffic lights.

  note:( A journey of 120 miles (London to Birmingham), at 80 mph, will take one and a half hours. The same journey at 60 mph will take 2hrs. Half an hour difference! Is it worth the extra petrol?)

• Finally, because you have your own mind...

If you find yourself breaking the speed limit (everybody does, including driving instructors) ask yourself why it has happened. Is it because

• the driver behind is pressuring you?

If it is, then remember that you are in control of your car, not them. Be confident, and set an example. Some of the most interesting people I know stick to the speed limits!

Is it because

• you enjoy going fast?

That's fine. You can book race days at race tracks and go as fast as you like. There's lots of space so you don't have to worry about hitting anything!

Feet Per Second

The number 30 has unhelpful baggage. To some people, 30 is synonymous with slow.

It may be more helpful to think in terms of Feet Per Second:

• 30 mph = 45 Feet Per Second:

That is the average distance between the front and the back of a house. Every Second.

Does that sound slow?

• 70 mph = 105 Feet Per Second

What this means is that you cannot afford to take your eye off the road for more than a moment.

Compare the following statements:

"I only took my eye off the road for 2 seconds"

"I only took my eye off the road for 210 feet"

At 70mph, these two sentences have the same implication.

Pay Attention to the road, Every Second!