ACT knowledge test speed limits practice questions

Question 1

You are driving on a Canberra street in a built up area with no speed limit signs. What limit applies?

• 40 km/h
• 60 km/h
• 50 km/hCorrect answer
• 70 km/h

The default limit in a built up area is 50 km/h when no sign says otherwise. A built up area is one with buildings next to the road or street lights at regular spacing.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: default speed limits

Question 2

You are on a rural road outside a built up area and have not passed a speed limit sign. What limit applies?

• 100 km/hCorrect answer
• 80 km/h
• 90 km/h
• 110 km/h

Outside built up areas the default limit is 100 km/h unless a sign shows a different number. Some roads are signed higher or lower, and the sign always wins.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: default speed limits

Question 3

What does a posted speed limit sign actually mean?

• The speed you are expected to maintain
• The maximum legal speed in good conditionsCorrect answer
• A guide that may be exceeded when overtaking
• The minimum speed for that road

A limit is a ceiling, not a target. In rain, fog, poor light or heavy traffic the safe speed is lower than the number on the sign.

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules r 20, as adopted in the Australian Capital Territory

Question 4

A school zone sign shows 40 km/h with times listed underneath. When does the limit apply?

• Only when children can be seen near the road
• At all times, every day of the year
• During the times shown, on school daysCorrect answer
• Only during the morning period

The reduced limit applies for the periods printed on the sign, whether or not any children are in sight. Children can appear from behind parked cars with no warning.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: school zones

Question 5

You are passing a stationary emergency vehicle displaying flashing blue or red lights on an ACT road. What speed applies?

• Slow to 40 km/h until you are clear of the vehicle and people around itCorrect answer
• Keep to the posted limit but change lanes
• Stop completely until waved through
• Slow to 80 km/h if on a rural road

The slow down rule protects people working beside a stopped emergency vehicle. Reduce speed early, move over if a lane is free, and hold the lower speed until you are past.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: passing stationary emergency vehicles

Question 6

You are driving in heavy fog on a road signed at 80 km/h. What speed is appropriate?

• 80 km/h, since that is the legal limit
• Below 80 km/h, slow enough to stop within the distance you can seeCorrect answer
• Exactly half the posted limit in all cases
• Whatever speed the car in front is doing

You must always be able to stop within the clear distance ahead. In fog, rain or at night that distance shrinks, so the safe speed drops well below the sign.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: driving to the conditions

Question 7

A speed limit sign at the start of a side street shows 40 km/h in an area marked as a shared zone. What is different about a shared zone?

• Only residents may drive there
• Cyclists are not permitted
• Parking is banned at all times
• Pedestrians share the roadway and drivers must give way to themCorrect answer

In a shared zone people on foot are allowed on the road itself and drivers must give way to them. Speed is kept low so drivers can stop for anyone who steps out.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: shared zones

Question 8

You have just passed a speed limit sign showing 60 km/h. Where does that limit end?

• At the next intersection you pass
• After one kilometre of travel
• At the next speed limit sign or end of the speed zoneCorrect answer
• When you leave the suburb

A posted limit stays in force until another sign changes it or the speed zone formally ends. Intersections and suburb boundaries do not reset it on their own.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: speed limit signs

Question 9

You are driving well under the speed limit in the right lane of a busy multi lane road and a queue is building behind you. What is the problem?

• Nothing, driving slowly is always safe
• You may be obstructing traffic and should move leftCorrect answer
• You must speed up to the posted limit
• You should signal right to warn drivers behind

Driving unreasonably slowly and blocking following traffic is an offence and it encourages risky overtaking. Move into a left lane and let the queue pass.

Rule cited: ACT Road Rules Handbook, topic: obstructing other drivers