Speed limit questions appear on almost every theory test. You need to know the default limits for every road type in Ireland, plus the special limits that apply in certain situations.
Default Speed Limits in Ireland
- Built-up areas: 50 km/h
- Non-national roads (regional/local): 80 km/h
- National roads (N-roads): 100 km/h
- Motorways: 120 km/h
Special Speed Limits
- 30 km/h zones: Found near schools and in some residential estates
- 60 km/h zones: Transition areas between built-up and rural roads
- Towing a trailer: 80 km/h maximum on any road
Theory Test Speed Limit Questions
The test loves to ask about:
- Default limits when no speed limit sign is displayed
- The difference between national road and motorway limits
- Speed limits when towing
- What the different speed limit signs look like
- Appropriate speed in adverse conditions (hint: the limit is a maximum, not a target)
Key Points to Remember
The speed limit is always the maximum, not the recommended speed. In poor visibility, heavy rain, or icy conditions, you should drive well below the limit. The test regularly includes questions about adjusting speed for conditions.
Practise speed limit questions in L-Plate practice mode and learn the speed limit signs in the Road Signs game.