When you have just obtained your driving license, you should know that the young driver is subject to specific rules, which differ slightly from those of other road users, particularly in terms of speed limits. Lack of experience can put you more easily at risk of road accidents. This is why caution is required for novice drivers. A young driver with a probationary license must therefore respect specific speed limits for a period of three years (or two years in the case of AAC-accompanied automatic driving lessons). What are these limitations?
Young driver speed limit: what limits to follow and where?
The speed limit for a young driver must be respected by any person who holds a probationary license, for a period of three years. After choosing young driver car insurance, the time has come to get behind the wheel. How fast can a young driver go? Where? We take stock right away.
In urban areas
In built-up areas, the speed limit for a young driver is 50 km/h. This limitation is valid in all circumstances. It remains unchanged, regardless of weather conditions. Of course, if traffic conditions are no longer optimal, it is up to the driver to adapt.
You should also know that this is one of only two limitations common to young drivers and people who hold a permanent license.
However, there are specificities specific to certain cities such as Bordeaux, Paris or even Clermont-Ferrand, where the speed limit for a young driver (and for all drivers for that matter) is lowered to 30 km/h. The authorities who have traffic police power, such as mayors or even prefects, can decide to reduce the authorized speed in certain towns.
Typically, this decision is made in cities where there are many pedestrians and cyclists. Lowering the speed limit not only better protects these populations, but also reduces noise pollution and CO2 emissions.
Whatever the speed limit for a young driver in built-up areas, it is also valid for people who hold a permanent license.
Extra-urban
What about outside urban areas? When young drivers travel on a national road or a departmental road without a central divider, the speed limit for a young driver is also the same as for experienced drivers: 80 km/h.
In the case of dual carriageways which are separated by a central reservation, the speed limit for a young driver is 100 km/h. It is set at 80 km/h on roads which have at least two lanes assigned to a similar direction of traffic.
On the highway
When a young driver is traveling on the highway, you should know that the speed limit is set at 110 km/h. Experienced drivers, on the other hand, can travel up to 130 km/h on the highway.
Speeds to be respected by a young driver in rainy weather
Rain is an important factor to take into account. Indeed, bad weather conditions can increase the risks linked to aquaplaning. When the roads are wet, tire grip is reduced and the risk of skidding is very real. Especially since it can occur at any time.
For this reason, when the rain is heavy, it is essential to reduce your driving speed, but also to increase the safety distances from the vehicle in front of yours. This is valid whether you have a probationary license or a definitive license. It is also possible to use your fog lights in addition to the high beams, but only outside built-up areas.
However, it should be understood that these changes to speed limits in rainy weather only apply to drivers with a permanent license, because the limits are the same as for young drivers in normal times.
These limitations therefore only represent a change for experienced drivers who have a definitive license.
What are the risks for a young driver in the event of speeding?
The speed limit for a young driver must be respected, as the consequences can be serious. Even more than for a driver holding definitive Automatic driving lessons in Coventry.
There are, in fact, other specificities linked to the status of young drivers, such as not having all of your points. It is therefore much more risky to lose points after an infraction because the points capital can quickly reach 0… Which results in the cancellation of your driver’s license.
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