TAS knowledge test speed limits practice questions

Question 1

You are driving on a street in a built up area in Tasmania and there are no speed limit signs. What speed limit applies?

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

In a built up area the default limit is 50 km/h unless a sign shows something else. A built up area is one with buildings beside the road or street lighting at regular spacing.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: default speed limits

Question 2

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

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

Outside built up areas the default limit is 100 km/h. Some highways are signed at 110 km/h, but only where a sign says so.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: default speed limits

Question 3

What does a speed limit sign actually tell you?

• The speed you should try to hold
• The minimum speed you must keep up with traffic
• The average speed expected over the length of the road
• The maximum speed allowed, and only in good conditionsCorrect answer

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

Rule cited: Australian Road Rules r 20, as adopted in Tasmania

Question 4

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

• During the times shown on the sign, on school daysCorrect answer
• Only when you can actually see children near the road
• At all times of the year, day and night
• Only during the first and last week of each term

The reduced limit applies for the periods printed on the sign, whether or not any children are in sight.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: school speed zones

Question 5

You are driving in heavy rain on a road signed at 100 km/h and visibility is poor. What speed should you drive at?

• 100 km/h, because that is the posted limit
• A speed below the limit that suits the conditions and your view aheadCorrect answer
• Exactly half the posted limit in all wet weather
• Whatever speed the traffic around you is doing

You must be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear. Rain lengthens braking distances and shortens your view, so the safe speed drops.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: driving to the conditions

Question 6

You are approaching a stationary emergency vehicle stopped on the roadside with its blue or red lights flashing. What is expected of you?

• Keep your speed and move one lane to the right
• Stop completely until an officer waves you past
• Slow right down and pass carefully, giving room to any people around the vehicleCorrect answer
• Sound your horn to warn the crew and continue at the limit

People working at the roadside are exposed to passing traffic. Slow down, change lanes away from them where you safely can, and do not speed up until you are well past.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: passing stationary emergency vehicles

Question 7

You pass a roadworks speed limit sign showing 40 km/h, but no workers are in sight. What must you do?

• Keep to the normal limit for the road until you see workers
• Slow to 40 km/h only if machinery is on the road
• Use your own judgement about a safe speed
• Drive at no more than 40 km/h for the length of the roadworksCorrect answer

A roadworks speed sign is a legal limit while it is displayed. Surfaces are often loose or uneven, and workers can step out at any time.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: roadworks speed limits

Question 8

You are driving in an area signed as a shared zone. What does that mean for you?

• Drive at the speed shown on the sign and give way to pedestriansCorrect answer
• Drive at the normal built up area limit and expect people to keep clear
• Pedestrians must use the footpath at all times
• Parking is unrestricted throughout the zone

In a shared zone people on foot and vehicles use the same space, so the posted limit is low and pedestrians have priority.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: shared zones

Question 9

You pass a sign showing 60 km/h. How long does that limit apply for?

• For 500 metres, then the default limit returns
• Until you pass another speed limit sign or the type of road area changesCorrect answer
• Only until the next intersection
• Until the end of the current street name

A posted limit stays in force until a different sign changes it. If you are unsure what applies, drive at the lower speed until you see a sign.

Rule cited: Tasmanian road rules handbook, topic: where speed limits apply