Tips

With so many people spending so much time on the roads, there are bound to be common driving offences that everyone makes once in a while. However, even the minor blunders are enough to be dangerous to other drivers and members of the public, so there must be a watchful eye making sure people are using the roads safely. With this in mind, what are the most frequent offences and what are the punishments for committing them?

Driving without insurance

Driving without insurance is something that many people think they can get away with. ‘Just a quick pop to the shops’, you might think, but sooner or later it’ll come back to bite you… It is illegal to drive a vehicle on the roads or in any public place without at least third-party insurance.

The penalty for driving without insurance

Being on the roads as an uninsured driver can see the police giving you a fixed fine of £300 and 6 penalty points on your licence. However, if the case goes to court, you could get an unlimited fine and be disqualified from driving.

Speeding

Speeding is one of the most common offences, committed sometimes without even realising it. We all know the feeling of coming off a 40 mph road and not realising the decrease to 30 mph. Speeding results in accidents; the force of a 60 mph crash is four times more impactful than a 30 mph crash.

The penalties of speeding

The minimum penalty for breaking the speed limit is a £100 fine and 3 penalty points on your licence. You can go to a speed awareness course instead, with the intention of learning about the ramifications of speeding. If you fail to pay the fine, you could face a larger fine and a driving ban.

Use of a mobile phone

The use of a mobile phone while you drive is illegal, and creates a large distraction from driving safely on the road. You aren’t even allowed to be holding your device in your hand – just don’t go near it! This law applies the whole time you’re in your car, whether you’re in a traffic jam or not.

The penalty of using your phone while driving

If you passed your driving test within the last two years, you will lose your licence if you are caught on your phone while you drive a vehicle. You can get 6 penalty points and a £200 fine and, if taken to court, you could be banned from driving and get a maximum fine for £1000.

Driving under the influence

Although widely known that drug driving or drink driving is extremely dangerous, it’s unfortunately very common. Drink and drugs increase people’s confidence, and they are more likely to chance their luck. As well as putting themselves in danger, this also poses a threat to the general public.

The penalty of drink or drug driving

Drug driving could see a minimum driving ban of one year with an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison and a criminal record. Drink driving penalties consist of a six-month prison sentence, a fine, and a driving ban. If an accident causes death then a 14-month imprisonment is possible.

Careless or dangerous driving

Driving without due care and attention can result in accidents and put others in danger on the roads. This offence covers poor use of lanes, swerving and more, and is most often caused by a lack of concentration. This careless driving can lead to nasty incidents.

The penalty of careless and dangerous driving

If you are caught careless driving, you could experience a fine of £100 and three penalty points. If the case is more serious, the fine could increase to £2500 and you could have a driving ban. If the accident caused by your lack of concentration is fatal, there could be a prison sentence of five years.

Safe driving is something that takes a lot of practice, and motoring offences are all too common on our roads. If you’d like to learn to drive with precision and focus as priorities, come to Lanes School of Driving. Just give us a call on 020 8166 5678 or email us at .

We probably all know how tempting it is to be wrangled into getting drinks when you have your car with you. You may think you’ll be able to limit yourself to one, but many people get carried away when they’re in good company! The urge to drive yourself home when you’re over the limit can be strong, but there are many reasons why you shouldn’t take the risk. Here’s everything you need to know about the drink drive limits in the UK…

Alcohol’s effect on the body

Alcohol is a depressant, meaning that even the smallest amount can impact your reaction times. A massive impact on your body from alcohol is the lapse in judgement it creates – people often have a false sense of confidence when they’ve had some drinks. This makes even a risk-averse individual a bit more daring. The influence of alcohol is less concentration, affected vision, slower stopping distances and less effective co-ordination.

Possible repercussions of drinkdriving

It’s easy to think that one time drinkdriving won’t hurt, or home is just a short drive away… However, even the smallest amount of alcohol can cause an accident. In just one year, approximately 85,000 people will be convicted of drink driving across England and Wales alone. Death by careless driving is far too common, with roughly 3551 people being seriously injured in drink driving accidents per year. These figures are consistently too high – don’t become a statistic and say no to glasses of wine if your car is with you!

What is the alcohol limit?

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the alcohol limit is higher than in the whole of Europe. Many European countries don’t allow residents to drink any alcohol before they get behind the wheel. The permitted BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) is 80 milligrams of alcohol to 100 millilitres of blood. If you are pulled over and you have a breath test, the limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. The penalty of drink driving can lead to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine, and a driving ban for at least 12 months.

How many units can I drink if I’m driving?

It’s very difficult to give a concrete number of drinks you can have before you should make the decision to get the bus home. This is going to translate into different units of alcohol for everyone, and it depends on these factors: age, weight, gender, stress levels and the amount of food you’ve had that day. If you haven’t had anything to eat it’s likely that one drink is going to put you over the limit, where it wouldn’t usually. Due to it being very difficult to calculate a precise number of drinks you can have without driving dangerously, it’s safest to steer clear of the pub in general.

Err on the side of safety

If you’re weighing up having that next drink when your car is with you, err on the side of safety. This is not only for your benefit, but for the safety of the general public. Alcohol can take longer to leave your system than you think, so it’s also important to take the next day into consideration. If you’re driving early in the morning, maybe pass on that second drink.

If you’ve been wondering about the drink drive limits, this is your guide to ensure your safety. You might find yourself in need of some refresher courses, or you may be learning for the first time. If you’d like some more information, come to Lanes School of Driving and give us a call on 020 8166 5678 or email us at .

When you’re a provisional learner, it’s easy to think that you may not be allowed to do certain things. However, there’s actually more freedom than you think! For example, learner drivers are even allowed to drive on motorways with experienced instructors. Let’s start off with something a little more manageable though – driving in the dark. Are learner drivers allowed to drive at night, or is it something that’s left for when you have those ‘P’ plates?

Are there restrictions for learner drivers?

In short, no there aren’t any restrictions when it comes to when you drive – day or night, you can drive at any time. However, as with driving in the daytime, you need to meet this checklist:

• Have a valid provisional licence
• Be insured on the car you’re driving
• Be accompanied by either a driving instructor or an experienced driver who is over 21, and who has had a full driving licence for at least three years
• Display ‘L’ plates on the car you’re driving

What are the benefits of learning in the dark?

It can sometimes be beneficial to embark on some night-time drives as a learner. Although it comes with more risk, building up experience of driving in the dark can give you confidence so that when you’ve passed your test, you’ll be able to drive without worrying. It’s also a good time to take the opportunity to practise while someone experienced is next to you and able to guide you through the tricky parts. As it’s easier to become disoriented in the dark, practising more will benefit you and could increase your confidence for daytime driving too.

Tips for night-time driving

When you’re in your practical driving lessons and you’re driving in the dark, put these tips into effect and it may make the process easier for you:

Clean your headlights

Ensuring these are clear will make it easier for you to see in the dark, unobstructed by any dirt that may have been lingering on the surface!

Don’t wear tinted glasses

These can obscure your vision even more than the night-time already has! Make sure your environment is as light as you can make it.

Leave more time for your journey

In the dark, you may have to drive a little slower than normal. It’s hard to judge the speed of other cars, so it’s better to be on the safe side.

Know your car

It’s important that you know which headlights to use in which circumstances. This will make you more comfortable in your car and on the road.

Anticipate hazards

This is the time for your hazard perception to come into play! Noticing hazards while you still have time to react to them will be even more important in the dark.

Practise, practise, practise

Learning to drive is all about practise, and the more you drive in the dark, the more comfortable you’re bound to feel. It all comes with confidence!

Learning to drive in the dark can be so beneficial for you, helping you overcome your fears and worries. Whether you’re looking for block lessons driving a manual car or you’ve passed your driving test and have found yourself needing a refresher course, Lanes School of Driving can help you out – especially if you’ve never driven in the dark before.

Give us a call on 020 8166 5678 or email us at  top quality driving lessons!

How long has it been since you gave yourself a refresher course on the Highway Code? Now might be the time to get the books out, or to download an app to jog your memory on the way of the roads. As of 29^th January 2022, the Highway Code was added to – you need to know these rules! Let’s go over what they are so that you know how to use the road safely, and in line with the newest guidelines.

1. Hierarchy of road users

The new guidelines have outlined a new hierarchy on the road. So, who’s the new ruler of the kingdom? Pedestrians and cyclists have priority on the roads to ensure their safety, as they are the most vulnerable road users! Where safe, drivers must give way to people on foot and bikes. This is because they are most at risk in the event of a collision on the road.

2. Give way to pedestrians on junctions

Drivers on the road should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting at the side of the road and junctions. This is relevant at zebra crossings and parallel crossings (which includes a cycle route alongside the stripes). In other words, if you are a driver you will need to give way to pedestrians in many situations to reduce the danger that they are put in.

3. Road position of cyclists

The ideal road position for a cyclist is now in the middle of the lane. This makes them more visible, and means that drivers will find it easier to be cautious around them. Where possible, cyclists should be 1.5 metres away from the pavement. This means that as drivers, we need to be aware of them!

4. Overtaking cyclists and horse riders

If there is a cyclist or horse rider near the pavement, drivers are now allowed to cross a double-white line if they need to overtake. If overtaking a cyclist, leave 1.5m of space between you and them. For pedestrians and horse riders, 2m is advised! If it’s unsafe to overtake, patience is key. Just wait them out until you can safely manoeuvre.

5. Cyclists on roundabouts

Due to the change in the hierarchy, drivers and motorcyclists must give priority to cyclists on roundabouts. We shouldn’t try and overtake cyclists within our lane, and instead should follow them slowly to ensure their safety. Cyclists are at risk of the greatest harm on the roads, so driving carefully and giving them right of way is a step to making them feel at ease.

6. The ‘Dutch Reach’

The ‘Dutch Reach’ is a new technique that makes it safer to open your door to leave your parked vehicle. This technique asks you to open your car door with the opposite arm, making you look behind your shoulder for any hazards such as cars or pedestrians. For example, if your door is on your right, open it with your left hand. This will save injuries!

Have these changes made you realise that you need to read up on the rest of the Highway Code? Here at Lanes School of Driving, we offer lessons to aid you through the learning for your practical test, and your theory test. Why not give us a call to start your journey? Contact us on 020 8166 5678 or email us at .

Unfortunately, the start of a brand-new year comes with a few more winter months with freezing cold weather. Driving in winter can be a little scary, especially if you’re a new driver. If you’re even a little bit apprehensive, reading this will mean you can have some advice under your belt. We’re here to give you some top tips on how to drive in the unforgiving winter weather.

Keep your distance

In super cold weather, the roads may be icy. If this is the case, stopping distances can increase by up to 10 times! This means that in a situation where you may need to stop quickly, you’ll need to be far away from the car in front to avoid a collision. Keeping your distance will ensure that you have this option, helping you drive safely.

Steer into a skid

On the off chance that your car is in a skid due to the icy weather conditions, it’s important to steer into the skid which will effectively stop it. This counteracts the process of a skid and should be done gently! This means if the rear of your car is going left, you should carefully steer to the left.

Slow speed and gentle manoeuvres

If you’re in danger of slippery roads, going slowly will be your best friend. As well as making you feel more in control, it will give you more opportunity to react to the weather and to other road users, ensuring you get home safely. It’s a similar story with gentle manoeuvres – caution is key in wintery weather!

Carry a breakdown and first aid kit

It’s always a good idea to have these kits in your car anyway, but in winter it’s especially important. Having a breakdown kit includes a fully charged phone or the facilities to charge it, high viz, a hazard triangle, a puncture repair kit and more. There will also be a blanket and warm clothing, and the first aid kit ensures you can stay safe until help arrives in the event of an incident or breakdown.

Pull away in second gear

In the event of ice and snow, first gear may not give you enough grip when moving off for the first time. Try pulling away in second gear – this will keep the revs down to a minimum which is what you want on snowy or icy roads. This may give you more confidence when driving in winter!

Check your tyres

In the lead up to winter, it could be an idea to check your tyres. In the UK, winter tyres aren’t essential, but they do make the driving experience easier. Winter tyres or all-season tyres become effective especially under 7°, meaning you can have sturdier grip on the road and a safer journey.

Ensure the car is ready for the drive

In winter, it’s very common to step outside ready for your journey to work and be faced with an icy vehicle. It’s essential to make sure that you completely de-ice your car before your drive! This includes clearing your headlights, brake lights, hazard lights and making sure your wiper blades are free to move. You’ll need your car working at its top potential in the winter!

Keep calm and keep driving!

It’s important that you stay calm! Driving in the winter can be intimidating, but if you’re thinking clearly and you don’t let the nerves get to you, then your driving will be more confident and safer. Take your time to think about your next move, and your journeys will be as easy as in the summertime.

Hopefully with these tips you’ll feel more confident about driving in these winter months! Here at Lanes School of Driving, we help our students build up the confidence to tackle any hurdles they may come across during their learning process. We can do the same for you, just enquire now by calling 020 8166 5678 or email us at .

We all know that learning to drive can be a lengthy process. Theory test? Completed it. Gone through the stressful journey of learning to parallel park? Done and dusted. Now it’s time to smash your driving test. Your driving lessons are sure to have been enough for you to pass your test, so let’s set you loose on the roads!

Have you ever wondered what life will be like after your lessons? We’re here to tell you the little details that you may not have thought of after you’ve passed your test!

Get your certificate

When you’ve passed your driving test, you’ll be awarded with a certificate to mark the occasion. Before you frame this and put it pride and place where the family can see it, keep it on you. Until your driving licence is updated, your certificate will be proof that you’re legal to drive. If anyone stops you, you’ll need this! It can take up to three weeks for your full driving licence to be finalised.

No immediate driving!

After you’ve passed your test all you’ll want to do is drive in rings around the block and take your friends on a road trip. However, you can’t drive immediately. Your instructor will take you home, and you won’t be able to drive until you’ve updated your insurance from provisional to full. This will be an exercise in patience, but once the insurance is in place you can go anywhere. Freedom!

Insurance and tax

Similar to the last point, before you’re able to drive you must ensure that your car insurance and your tax is updated. Whether this is a car that you own or that your family owns, your insurance must apply to your full driving licence that you just gained (congrats) and the tax needs to be up to date. To buy your tax either apply by post or at the post office. Paperwork is boring, but necessary!

‘Passed’ accessories

Although P plates aren’t compulsory, it’s a good idea to place them on the front and back of your car. This will communicate to fellow drivers that you’re fresh on the road, and if you do have a minor driving blunder (unlikely, we have faith in you), they’ll be more a little more lenient. There are no guidelines on how long to keep these on for – just take them off when you feel confident!

Allow time for practice

Although you’re now a legal driver, you are still a beginner. It may be an idea to set aside time for some additional practice… You could use this time to go over any minors you got in your driving test (if any). It’s also an opportunity to get used to driving alone, on motorways and in the dark. These things may scare you, so it’s good to make sure you feel confident when those situations arise.

Begin the hunt for a car!

Now that you can officially drive, now may be the time to begin your hunt for a car of your own. When you’re looking for your first car, it may be likely that your budget is a little tighter. If you go for something with a low engine capacity, your vehicle will be cheaper to insure. You heard it here first! It’s a good idea to look for a car with low mileage, to make sure you’ll get the most out of it possible.

Just passed your test? These tips will mean that you don’t get a shock when something like this comes up! If you passed your test a while ago and you would benefit from a refresher training course, one of our approved driving instructors at Lanes School of Driving would be happy to help you. Call us on 020 8166 5678 or email and we’ll make sure that driving is second nature.

Is it just us, or has 2021 been a bit of a blur? Christmas is already right around the corner! Along with Christmas comes the nail-biting task of having to buy presents that impress; face masks, a Terry’s Chocolate Orange, a 2022 calendar – these are classic stocking fillers that are quickly overlooked once Boxing Day has passed. They all get a bit repetitive (apart from the chocolate).

This year, why not think a little further outside the box? We all have those friends or family members who are car enthusiasts, so let’s brainstorm some Christmas gift ideas that will make you their new favourite person. Follow this guide on gifts for car lovers – watch this space Santa Claus!

Wireless car charger

We all know how it is. You’re in the biggest rush in the world and the time pressure has you flustered, then you get in the car and realise… your phone is on 10%. If only you kept a charger in your car. Buying someone a wireless phone charger for their car will definitely be a hit. It simply clips onto an air vent or plugs into your cigarette port. Just make sure their phone is compatible which your chosen charger!

Car hoover

Dirt and dust can easily build up, and it seems to happen quicker and quicker between every clean. Although a car wash isn’t the biggest expense, everything adds up! Gifting someone a compact car hoover is a brilliant way to keep their vehicle’s interior clean, allowing them to save some pennies in the process. These hoovers are one of the most effective car accessories, especially if you opt for a high-quality model.

Interior LEDs

Have you ever noticed how all the cars in the adverts have mood lighting in the interior? Now you can achieve the same, with car LEDs. They come in peel and stick strips for you to decorate the inside of your car. With a variety of colours and lighting modes, you could even create a party atmosphere! It’s a great, playful present that can transform how someone feels about their daily transport.

Phone holder

It’s rare that anybody uses the sat nav in their car. Most of the time, Google Maps is used much more frequently! The thing is, where do you put your phone so that you can see the directions? A phone holder is a simple but effective present that can be of use to anyone. Let them know to put it in a safe place, and nowhere that could distract them for their journey.

Car bin

We’re all guilty of a messy car sometimes. Whether it’s snacks on a long road trip or the odd breakfast as you’re driving to work, empty packets and tissues are bound to build up over time. That’s why a car bin is such a useful gift! By keeping their vehicle clean and tidy, someone is bound to thank you for this present (if they don’t, you can blame us – we won’t mind).

Cleaning kit

As well as a hoover, a cleaning set for your car is going to come in handy regularly. This is an especially good gift for pet lovers, as animal hair can get all over your seats and interior. Car kits come equipped with a lint roller, packs of flash wipes, and much more for when your car needs a little spruce up. This gift is useful and practical, and car enthusiasts are bound to want their car looking tip top!

If you or someone you know could do with a refresher course, or you need to obtain your licence so that you can put the car gifts you’ve received to good use, contact Lanes School of Driving. We have many courses to help you improve your skills, as well as the capacity for female led lessons. Call us on call on 020 8166 5678 or email us at  to get started.

Driving too fast, which we’re all guilty of sometimes, can be extremely dangerous – it’s not big, and it’s not clever… With conditions on the road always affecting the way we drive, they’re something we need to consider when leaving ourselves enough space to brake. Stopping distance is an equation made up of the thinking and braking distances (but don’t worry, we’re not about to make you complete a physics test!). Essentially:

Thinking distance + Braking distance = Stopping distance

So, what are these distances and how can the factors make a difference?

Thinking distance

Thinking distance is the amount of time it takes for you to register a hazard and start to brake your vehicle. No matter how hard you try, you’ll never be able to brake immediately – we can’t all have reflexes like The Flash. The trouble is that the faster you’re driving, the further you’ll travel during the time it takes you to slam your foot on the brake. It then affects your braking distance. Some of the factors you should take into account are…

• Tiredness – Lack of sleep plagues all of us sometimes, and can cause our attention span to suffer. Our reaction times may not be up to scratch, so take regular breaks if you’re tired.
• Distractions – Lack of focus, as we all know, can result in catastrophe. It’s illegal to hold a mobile during your drive, but even hands-free driving can be dangerous.
• Inebriation – You should never drive under the influence. Drugs and alcohol can severely impact your reaction time, and slower reactions will increase your chance of an accident.

Braking distance

Your braking distance is defined as the time that it takes for your car to stop once you’ve started to brake. The faster your speed, the longer it will take for you to come to a complete halt. Due to this changeable distance, the Highway Code outlines distances for a range of speeds. Whereas the thinking distance is often down to the condition of the driver, braking distance factors are often out of our control – deep breaths, control freaks…

• Weather conditions – The weather can have a massive impact on driving. If the roads are wet or icy, it takes much longer to stop. It’s recommended to leave double the amount of space between you and the car in front when it’s wet, and up to 10x that amount if it’s icy.
• Road conditions – Potholes are the least optimal road conditions, and we all know how uncomfortable they are to drive over. Muddy surfaces will also increase your braking distance, so drive with care along these roads.
• Car conditions – This is something we do have control over. The condition of your brakes will dictate how quickly you stop, so make sure they’re as responsive as possible. The condition of your tyres is imperative – if the tread is too worn then it can take longer to brake.

As we can see, stopping your car is a little higher maintenance than you may have thought… Since your stopping distance is a combination of your thinking and braking times, we can see how it quickly adds up. Here are the recommended stopping distances for different speeds:

• 20mph – Thinking 6m + Braking 6m = Stopping 12m (around 3 car lengths)
• 30mph – Thinking 9m + Braking 14m = Stopping 23m
• 40mph – Thinking 12m + Braking 24m = Stopping 36m
• 50mph – Thinking 15m + Braking 38m = Stopping 53m
• 60mph – Thinking 18m + Braking 55m = Stopping 73m
• 70mph – Thinking 21m + Braking 75m = Stopping 96m

So, when you’re on that drive with friends or you’re running a few errands, make sure you keep your stopping distance in mind and leave room between yourself and the car in front. At the moment we’re all used to our personal space anyway…

For more on-the-road tips or to arrange your driving lessons, give Lanes School of Driving a call on 020 8166 5678 or email us at . We’ve helped thousands of students pass their test – you’ll never catch Lanes graduates driving too fast!

In April of 2019, our London Mayor introduced the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) operating in Central London. Due to its success, the zone is being expanded to further the environmental benefits that we’ve seen from the ULEZ so far. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the zone expansion on 25^th October 2021:

What is the ULEZ?

The ULEZ came about so that the level of air pollution in our city decreases. It discourages drivers with older, more harmful vehicles from driving through the area. If your vehicle doesn’t comply with the Euro 6 standards, you will regrettably have to pay a daily charge of £12.50 when you enter. You’ll be glad to hear, though, that four out of five cars on the roads are already in line with the ULEZ standards.

Every entry point into the ULEZ zone will be sign posted meaning that you’ll never be caught off guard, finding yourself in the zone unnecessarily. Keep your eye out for signs on the road, and you’re bound to be able to avoid it if you need to.

The ULEZ is in action 24/7, 364 days out of the year with 25^th December being the only exception – Merry Christmas… Although this may seem inconvenient, the ULEZ has undeniably helped pollution in the area since its launch in 2019, with a 44% drop in nitrogen dioxide in roadside atmosphere within the boundaries.

Which areas will be affected?

At the moment the ULEZ area is quite contained, mirroring the area of the Congestion Charge (driving around London could sadly hit you with a double-whammy bill), but this will soon change. The area will be expanding up to the North and South Circular Roads, meaning the zone will be much larger – you may not be able to escape it this time. Some areas that should keep an eye out for the encroaching ULEZ are:

• Hackney
• Lambeth
• Lewisham
• Haringey
• Barnet
• Ealing
• Newham

What are the ULEZ standards and does my vehicle comply?

The standards will be staying the same, but if you’re driving in the new area of the ULEZ don’t forget to check that your vehicle meets these. The standards are…

• Motorbikes, mopeds, quadricycles and motorised tricycles – Euro 3
• Petrol cars, minibuses, vans and other specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight) – Euro 4
• Diesel cars, vans, other specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight) and minibuses (up to and including 5 tonnes gross vehicle weight) – Euro 6

If you’re wondering whether your vehicle is in line with these standards, or you don’t even know what Euro 6 means, don’t worry! You can use TFL’s vehicle checker to find out if you will have to pay the daily £12.50 when driving through the zone.

What happens if I don’t pay?

If you fail to pay the daily charge for driving through the Ultra Low Emission Zone, you will receive the dreaded Penalty Charge Notice, and you could be asked to pay up to £160! So, in the long run, making sure your vehicle is ULEZ compliant is a much more cost-effective option than the alternative. This is something important to look out for if you’ve just passed your test, and you’re looking for a vehicle to buy.

If you need some more information on the ULEZ regulations, don’t hesitate to contact us. If this doesn’t yet apply to you and you’re still looking for someone to give you the perfect driving lessons, let us know! Contact Lanes School of Driving on 020 8166 5678 or email .

When driving, you’ll begin to find quite quickly that not every road displays a speed limit sign – at least not in the moment that you’re specifically looking for one! It is important to be aware of the possible speed limits for each different road type to avoid facing a fine, gaining points on your licence or causing harm to yourself or other road users and pedestrians. So, what are the limits?

Built up areas

In built up areas, often signified by roadside parking or regular lampposts, the speed limit for all vehicles is 30mph, unless a local speed limit specifies otherwise.

Single carriageways

For cars, motorcycles and motorhomes (under 3.05 tonnes), the speed limit is 60mph. If these vehicles are towing a trailer, the limit reduces to 50mph.

For motorhomes (over 3.05 tonnes), busses, coaches, minibuses and goods vehicles (under 7.5 tonnes), the limit is 50mph.

For goods vehicles (over 7.5 tonnes), the speed limit is 40mph.

Dual carriageways

For cars, motorcycles and motorhomes (under 3.05 tonnes), the speed limit is 70mph. If these vehicles are towing a trailer, this reduces to 60mph.

For motorhomes (over 3.05 tonnes), busses, coaches, minibuses and goods vehicles (under 7.5 tonnes), the limit is 60mph

For goods vehicles (over 7.5 tonnes), the speed limit is 50mph.

Motorways

For cars, motorcycles and motorhomes (under 3.05 tonnes), the speed limit is 70mph. If these vehicles are towing a trailer, this reduces to 60mph.

For motorhomes (over 3.05 tonnes), busses, coaches, minibuses and goods vehicles (under 7.5 tonnes), the limit is also 70mph.

For goods vehicles (over 7.5 tonnes), the speed limit is 60mph.

Local speed limits

Local speed limits are often enforced by councils in areas of heavy build up or regular pedestrian flow, such as outside schools and colleges or along a high street. These signs are rectangular and will feature a speed limit displayed in a red circle above the word ‘zone’. The end of the speed limit zone will be specified by a ‘zone ends’ sign, specifying the new limit, whether that is a displayed speed, or the national speed symbol.

National speed limits

The national limit, as specified above for all vehicle types, will be indicated by a white circular sign with a black diagonal line through. They will often be followed by a fixed speed camera or temporary traffic van positioned with a speed radar gun, filtering out those who are travelling dangerously and issuing them with a penalty.

Variable speed limits

Variable speed limits will be seen on smart motorways, where the cameras are able to monitor traffic and alter the speed limits to reduce congestion or slow traffic down. These variable limits will be displayed clearly on the framework above the road. In some instances, the speed limit may stay the same as expected, but the hard-shoulder may be opened to create another lane and reduce build-up. These speed limits are legal instructions and should be followed.

Minimum speed limits

Although they are rare, minimum speed limits can be found throughout the UK. They will be displayed within a blue, circular sign and it is then compulsory – if safe to do so – that you travel at this speed at a minimum. These signs can be found in areas where slow travelling or congestion could be a safety risk, such as tunnels.

It can also be classed as ‘unsafe’ to drive at a slow speed on a motorway and, although this is unlikely to not be defined by a minimum speed limit sign, you may attract the attention of police and risk being pulled over for dangerous driving.

Remember: There will be a penalty for driving at dangerous speeds or disregarding limits. From £100 fines to 3 points on your licence and a court hearing. Repeated penalties could also result in a permanent driving ban. Stay safe and smart on the road.

At Lanes School of Driving, our team of experienced driving instructors are available to guide drivers of all abilities and ages, from 17 to 70, to safe and knowledgeable driving. To find out more about how we could help you, give us a call on 020 8166 5678 or drop us an email at  today.