Do I need to keep max speed on 100 KM roads?

Dravokivich · 29-12-2017 11:31AM

In a driving test they want to see you "progress," which means driving at the speed limit, or as suitably as you can considering conditions. Granted you are still finding your feet, you should try getting more comfortable at driving at higher speeds. But don't rush yourself into it.

B00056718 · 29-12-2017 11:48AM

Your quoted 80-100 is absolutely fine.
One thing to keep in mind however is when you're joining a dual carriageway, using slip road. It is safe to assume everyone on it will be near max and it will be much much easier if you pick up the speed to match them before you attempt to merge.
If you're at 50 when at the very end of the slip road, not only it will be hard to merge in , it can be dangerous. However, if you're matching the speed or are even tiny bit faster it's a piece of cake. As long as you indicate in advance.
Another tip I see people find useful is how soon do you switch on your indicator? Most people can't even answer that as they never pay nay attention to it. Where the rule of thumb should be - as soon as you start slowing down. This will demonstrate your intentions to other drivers and will help avoiding the impatient ones to dangerously undertake or overtake you. If you simply start slowing down without any indicators, drivers will start squeezing past you as they have no idea why are you doing it.

J_R · 30-12-2017 05:10AM

Sue Pa Key Pa wrote: »

Sorry, I don't agree with this pulling in business. I presume you mean in to the hard shoulder. If I come behind a slower moving learner driver, which is properly marked, the onus is on me to pass the car out when it is safe to do so. I will give due patience and consideration to the learner, as we've all been there. However, as we all know, there can be obstructions in the hard shoulder, or it can narrow out, leading to drivers (qualified and novice) just pulling back out in to your line

Hi,
Pulling into and out of the hard shoulder is simply a lane change, so along with not causing an obstruction he is learning an essential skill.

Good advice given by previous poster, try and match your speed to the traffic already in the lane you are joining.

I do not understand this morbid fear and extreme reluctance to use the hard shoulder. (Or even to move over close to it, but staying in the middle of the road)

When I was an instructor I used it to teach my pupils braking. Both emergency braking and coming to a gentle smooth stop. Never had any problem.

When driving I use it to allow faster traffic to overtake, again never any problem whatsoever.

It is a very simple matter to check first that there are no junctions, debris etc ahead. Then move over when SAFE.

30-12-2017 05:17AM

In the test and in real life are two different things. I did about 90 in a 100 zone on an early lesson and maintained position. Usually if someone wants past me and I can see the hard shoulder is clear I have no issue in pulling in. Tonight however on the N2 I was stuck behind someone doing 60k for several minutes with nowhere to overtake. So while legally they were doing nothing wrong I hate them. :P

J_R · 30-12-2017 05:24AM

[Deleted User] wrote: »

In the test and in real life are two different things. I did about 90 in a 100 zone on an early lesson and maintained position. Usually if someone wants past me and I can see the hard shoulder is clear I have no issue in pulling in. Tonight however on the N2 I was stuck behind someone doing 60k for several minutes with nowhere to overtake. So while legally they were doing nothing wrong I hate them. :P

Hi,
Yes they were, they were causing an obstruction.

But a hard shoulder at night could be a bit dodgy

OldMrBrennan83 · 30-12-2017 08:19AM

This post has been deleted.

J_R · 30-12-2017 08:35AM

Patww79 wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Hi,

says who ? please post your source

From the Rules of the Road

A single broken yellow line along the side of the road
This road contains a hard shoulder, which is normally only for pedestrians and cyclists.

If a driver wants to allow a vehicle behind them to overtake, they may pull in to the hard shoulder briefly as long as no pedestrians or cyclists are already using it and no junctions or entrances are nearby.

Different rules exist for hard shoulders on motorways. See Section 11 for details.

OldMrBrennan83 · 30-12-2017 08:48AM

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Rumple Stillson · 30-12-2017 09:09AM

Patww79 wrote: »

You're talking about it as a lane, so why don't people just use it as a second lane all the time then?

If you read the section that was posted from the rules of the road it is quite clear that using the hard shoulder to allow traffic to overtake you is perfectly allowable.

More than that its basic good manners.

OldMrBrennan83 · 30-12-2017 09:10AM

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boardsuser1 · 30-12-2017 09:33AM

what some people seem to forget and it is quite disturbing, is that the speed signs shown are that of a maximum permissible speed, that is the most you can do.

Many others think, “ah sure you can do at least 100”

These same people need to study the rules of the road again.

I had it in a coach on the motorway once, I was doing between 80/85 and s passenger said “speed up boy will ya,you can do at least 120”

Unknown to him coaches can only do 100 on motorways.

The OP shouldn’t feel under any pressure to drive at a speed in which others want them to drive,but rather a speed at which they feel confident/comfortable in doing.

Sue Pa Key Pa · 30-12-2017 09:33AM

Pull in to the hard shoulder and stop then, don't drive along it as if it is a lane. If it was intended to be a lane, it would be at least the constant width of a vehicle, which it is not. There is nothing in the RTA you have quoted which says you can continue to drive in it.

Rumple Stillson · 30-12-2017 09:34AM

Patww79 wrote: »

It increases the chances of the driver getting a puncture, damaging their car, or worse, and do you think the same good manners will be returned when you're on the side of the road?

I've often used the hard shoulder to allow people to pass and have never suffered a puncture or damage or whatever. When I'm checking to make sure there are no junctions ahead or private entrances or whatever, I make a call on whether the condition of the surface is OK also.

Refusing to use the hard shoulder when it is perfectly reasonable to do so, when there is a queue of traffic behind you, is very poor driving. No problems with people going at a speed they feel comfortable but they shouldn't be holding up multiple road users. That can cause people behind to make poor decisions about overtaking which can potentially lead to very serious incidents.

OldMrBrennan83 · 30-12-2017 09:35AM

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Rumple Stillson · 30-12-2017 09:39AM

Patww79 wrote: »

Pull in and stop every time someone wants to pass you.

****ing hell some people are delusional about their self importance on the roads

I hate the mentality of "well I'm driving under the speed limit and doing nothing wrong so everyone else can suck it up". I look at how I'm driving and consider am I doing anything that may cause other people to take unnecessary risks. We're all out there on the roads together.

whomitconcerns · 30-12-2017 09:41AM

If you can't do 50 on a 100 road then I'm afraid you probably need a lot more lessons and to stick to smaller roads for the time being.

But to the earlier point, it's the guy that sits behind you and won't overtake or leave enough room between you for anyone else to overtake that is the real problem.

J_R wrote: »

Originally Posted by J_R View Post

You may drive as slow as you wish, but it would be wrong to force all other traffic to drive at your speed so the first safe opportunity you must allow them to overtake.

No safe spot to overtake, not your fault, just putter along.

Snotty wrote: »

This is terrible advice, you need to progress safely and driving too slow is not safe for you or other road users.

You are learning to drive so no problem with getting used to driving, but your aim is to keep up with traffic and drive at a normal speed for the road conditions.
The speed limit does not mean you have to drive AT that speed, there are many 100kph roads where 80 might even be too much, but the vast majority of 100kph roads can take traffic at 100kph safely.
You should be asking yourself, if you are driving slower than the majority of other traffic, why is that? If you don't have a good reason, you should be working at progressing quicker.

Hi,
I stand by that statement. There is NO minimum speed limit on our roads.

Now, I more or less agree with the remainder of your post but you do not know the circumstances or situation of the OP.

If he exceeds say 50 Km/h his accompanying driver may be sitting on the edge of their seat with one hand bracing themselves against the dashboard and the other holding the door handle.

The OP is the best judge what speed as he works on other aspects of his driving. Worst thing possible is if he is driving with his heart pounding in terror because he is driving outside his safety zone. How much or what do you think he would learn in that situation ? (If he did not crash first)

Learning to drive should be done step by step and ideally should be stress free.

He should know he is supposed to be competent and able to drive at the speed limits and he is in his own way working towards that goal and I wish him, or her the best of luck.

Do your own thing but do not needlessly cause obstruction to other road users.

Field east · 30-12-2017 09:51AM

(1) rather than wondering if any of those who you obliged by keeping in will help you if you get a flat tyre I suggest that if they saw someone keeping in to let them pass that they might return the 'compliment' to another driver when the opportunity arises, keep back in slow moving traffic in a town to let someone in from a side road, etc, etc
(2) tractor drivers ad other slow moving vehicles hogging the road for miles and several cars stacked up behind and with no opportunity to pass out. BUT there would be plenty of opportunity inmost cases for the tractor driver, especially , to move over at hardcore places - front of houses, farmyard enterences and suchlike.
(3) when an opportunity exists for vehicles to pass out the slow 'leading' vehicle could slow down a little, 'if not in a hurry' and this allows even more vehicles to pass. Good road manners especially if the opportunity to pass is on a short stretch of road.
(4) good road manners is infectious - hopefully for those who either see it in action as an observer or directly benefit from it.

(5) it is very important that all drivers and anyone else who have an influence on traffic flow 0r speed that we do all in our power not to hinder it BECAUSE someone in the vehicle behind could be going to hospital re a very sick person, a delivery, responding to an emergency phone call, etc, etc, etc.
(6) this is not a 'holding up traffic point' but I am using the opportunity. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of drivers who stop at traffic accidents to help or whatever and park at the accident instead of parking 100yds + from the accident And as far as possible way in off the road. Some drivers park at the accident site even if it is on a bend on the road thereby drastically increasing the likelihood of a further accident

J_R · 30-12-2017 10:09AM

Patww79 wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Hi

Again

A single broken yellow line along the side of the road
This road contains a hard shoulder, which is normally only for pedestrians and cyclists.

If a driver wants to allow a vehicle behind them to overtake, they may pull in to the hard shoulder briefly as long as no pedestrians or cyclists are already using it and no junctions or entrances are nearby.

And again supply a source

J_R · 30-12-2017 10:32AM

Hi

Read in the paper a few years back where a driver was charged and fined for obstruction. He only held up a few cars but one was being driven by an off duty sergeant.

I can not find that article, but found this one instead

Its just a matter of degree.

Tractor driver who caused 7 mile tailback on road fined €300 and banned from driving for a year

again, anybody can drive at whatever speed they like (if legal and safe) but when possible they MUST allow other traffic to overtake.

I can not understand the mentality of someone who drives down a road play knowing they are blocking traffic.

Sleeper12 · 30-12-2017 10:46AM

I'm not having a go at you op but how can they give a learning permit without knowing the answer to this. Learners should know all the rules of the road before taking a car out.

OP 100k is the maximum speed. You can do 80k, 60k or whatever you are comfortable doing so long as you aren't causing an obstruction.

Be aware of cars behind you especially if there is no oncoming traffic. This is the time when cars behind you might want to overtake you. If they try to overtake you try make room for them & ease off the gas till they get around you.

Ignore all impatient drivers that may honk the horn. Your L plates tell them that you are a learner & they need to be patient with you. We all learned at some point.

OP congratulations on asking the question. Many would just drive at a speed they are not comfortable with.

db · 30-12-2017 10:58AM

Op this is a question you should ask the qualified driver beside you, that's what they are there for. If you don't have a qualified driver with you, you shouldn't be driving.

Wishbone Ash · 30-12-2017 11:04AM

Pulling in with a tractor on rural less busy roads to allow other motorists to pass may be fine in the country but can be difficult in busy urban/suburban areas. I used to regularly drive tractors and other agri equipment around Dublin and frequently found that, on busy roads, if I pulled over, it was very difficult to get back out again as very few drivers will want a tractor in front of them. Similarly, when pulling out from a side road onto a busy main road. Not helped by motorists sounding their horns when queued up behind.

Another problem was when travelling along a dual carriageway approaching a roundabout where you need to take the third exit and have to approach in the right hand lane. Other motorists will continue to speed along and prevent the lane change.

Rumple Stillson wrote: »

...I look at how I'm driving and consider am I doing anything that may cause other people to take unnecessary risks. We're all out there on the roads together.

But do you consider that many vehicles are restricted to a specific speed limit (e.g. 45/65/80) limit regardless of the posted speed limit.

Rumple Stillson · 30-12-2017 11:25AM

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

But do you consider that many vehicles are restricted to a specific speed limit (e.g. 45/65/80) limit regardless of the posted speed limit.

Of course and I understand when there are no opportunities to pull in and the slow vehicle must keep going. I was talking more about not using the hard shoulder to allow vehicles to pass, on open stretches of road. That said, if you are holding up multiple cars for a significant period of time, the onus should be on you to find somewhere to allow traffic to pass.

Do I need to keep max speed on 100 KM roads?

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