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Speed limits and following distance knowledge test practice

Free, no accountBased on Learn to Drive Smart

10free questions
40/50to pass the test
6guide sections

What you need to know

BC speed limits are in kilometres per hour. Unless a sign says otherwise, the default limit is 50 km/h in cities and towns and 80 km/h on rural roads. Lanes and alleys are limited to 20 km/h. Posted limits are the maximum in ideal conditions, not a target, so slow down in rain, snow, fog or heavy traffic.

School zones have a 30 km/h limit between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on school days, and playground zones are 30 km/h from dawn to dusk every day. Watch for children, who may step out suddenly. Slowing down in these zones gives you time to stop and cuts the injury risk to anyone you hit.

Following distance gives you time to react. Keep at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle ahead, and increase the gap when roads are wet, icy or dark, when towing, or when you are following a large vehicle. Stopping distance is your reaction distance plus your braking distance, and the faster you go the longer both become.

Learn to Drive Smart: Speed limits · School zones · Playground zones · Following distance · Driving in bad weather · Stopping distance

10 practice questions

Pick an answer to see whether it is right and why.

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No sign is posted in a BC city. What is the speed limit?

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All the questions with answers

  1. 1. No sign is posted in a BC city. What is the speed limit?

    Answer: 50 km/h

    The default limit in cities and towns is 50 km/h. A sign always overrides the default, so keep watching for posted limits.

    Learn to Drive Smart: Speed limits

  2. 2. What is the speed limit in a school zone when it is in effect?

    Answer: 30 km/h

    School zones are 30 km/h from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days. Children can enter the road without warning, so slow down early.

    Learn to Drive Smart: Speed limits · School zones

  3. 3. When does a playground zone speed limit of 30 km/h apply?

    Answer: From dawn to dusk, every day

    Playground zones apply from dawn to dusk every day of the week. You must slow down even when you cannot see any children.

    Learn to Drive Smart: Speed limits · Playground zones

  4. 4. What is the default speed limit in a lane or alley?

    Answer: 20 km/h

    Lanes are narrow and often have pedestrians, bikes or vehicles backing out. The limit is 20 km/h unless a sign says otherwise.

    Learn to Drive Smart: Speed limits

  5. 5. What is the minimum following distance in good conditions?

    Answer: 2 seconds

    Two seconds is the basic minimum behind the car ahead. Pick a fixed point, see the car pass it, and count to be sure you pass it after 2 seconds.

    Learn to Drive Smart: Following distance

  6. 6. The road is wet and it is dark. What should you do with your following distance?

    Answer: Increase it to more than 2 seconds

    Wet roads lengthen braking distances, and darkness shortens how far you can see. Leave extra time so you can stop safely.

    Learn to Drive Smart: Following distance · Driving in bad weather

  7. 7. The posted limit is 60 km/h but it is heavy rain and visibility is poor. What is best?

    Answer: Drive slower, because the limit is for ideal conditions

    A speed limit is the maximum under good conditions. You can be charged for driving too fast for the weather even if you are under the limit.

    Learn to Drive Smart: Speed limits · Driving in bad weather

  8. 8. Total stopping distance is made up of which two parts?

    Answer: Reaction distance and braking distance

    You travel during your reaction time before the brakes bite, then further while the vehicle slows. Both parts grow with speed.

    Learn to Drive Smart: Stopping distance

  9. 9. What happens to your braking distance when you double your speed?

    Answer: It becomes about four times longer

    Braking distance grows with the square of your speed. Doubling speed means roughly four times the distance to stop.

    Learn to Drive Smart: Stopping distance

  10. 10. Which situation calls for a larger following gap?

    Answer: Following a large truck or towing a trailer

    Large vehicles block your view ahead and heavy loads take longer to stop. A bigger gap gives you more time and a better view.

    Learn to Drive Smart: Following distance

Questions people ask
What is the default speed limit in a BC city?
50 km/h, unless a sign shows a different limit. Check for posted signs when entering a new area.
When does a school zone limit apply?
School zones are 30 km/h from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days. Playground zones are 30 km/h from dawn to dusk every day.
How far should I follow behind another vehicle?
At least 2 seconds in good conditions. Add more time in bad weather, at night, or when behind large vehicles or motorcycles.
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Other knowledge test topics

Rules summarised from ICBC's Learn to Drive Smart guide. Questions written by PassRank. These are not the official ICBC knowledge test questions.