Use of speed

You can be penalised in your test for going too fast AND too slow. If the speed limit is 50mph but it’s a wet day, maybe 50 isn’t the appropriate speed. If the speed limit’s 30mph but you’re going 20 – could be a problem because you’re holding people up or the examiner thinks you have no idea what the limit is.

Speed is not only dictated by the official speed limit. The clue is in the name: it’s a LIMIT not a target. Use your own judgment of the weather, the traffic and the road to settle on the appropriate speed.

You must always be able to stop in the distance you can see clear ahead of you. On a bendy road or at night, that’s a much shorter distance.

As a careful driver, you may get tailgated. Make sure to maintain your safe distance from the car in front – slow down even more if you have to. You’re in the right: they’re breaking the law.