12.35. What is the maximum speed allowed for vehicles driven by drivers with less than two years of driving experience on all roads outside populated areas?
UAЗ якою максимальною швидкістю дозволено рух транспортних засобів, якими керують водії зі стажем до двох років, на всіх дорогах за межами населених пунктів?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning road safety and speed limits for novice drivers. The restriction of maximum speed for those with little driving experience reduces risks on rural sections, where speeds are higher and reaction time is shorter. For the theoretical exam, it is important to understand that the traffic rules contain not only general limits but also special provisions for certain categories of drivers.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding speed, specifically clause 12.6 b), which sets a separate limit for drivers with less than 2 years of experience outside populated areas on all roads (as well as on roads through populated areas marked with sign 5.49). This rule is a priority for novice drivers and applies regardless of the fact that higher general limits may apply to other vehicles on such roads.
The analysis of the answer options shows the logic: 70 km/h corresponds to the direct requirement of clause 12.6 b) and is a special restriction for experience up to two years. 60 km/h relates to other categories (for example, mopeds or trucks carrying people in the cargo bed according to clause 12.6), so it is not suitable. 80 km/h and 90 km/h are typical limits for other types of transport or general limits outside populated areas, but for novice drivers they exceed the allowed speed. 50 km/h corresponds to the general regime within populated areas, not outside them, so it is also incorrect in this context.
Practically, this knowledge helps to avoid violations and fines, as exceeding the special limit is also prohibited by clause 12.9 b), and the status of a novice driver must be indicated by the “Maximum Speed Limit” identification sign according to clause 30.3 k). On the exam, it is important to remember: for drivers with less than 2 years of experience outside populated areas, a separate, reduced limit applies, which does not "adjust" to the general 90/110/130 km/h.
Clause 12.6 b)
Outside populated areas on all roads and on roads passing through populated areas marked with sign 5.49 "Beginning of a Populated Area", driving is permitted at the following speeds: … b) for vehicles driven by drivers with less than 2 years of experience — no more than 70 km/h.
Brief application: this is a special (reduced) maximum speed limit for drivers with less than two years of driving experience, which applies outside populated areas on all roads (regardless of the general limits of 90/110/130 km/h).
Clause 12.9 b)
Drivers are prohibited from: b) exceeding the maximum speed specified in clauses 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7 of these Rules, on road sections where road signs 3.29, 3.31 are installed, or on a vehicle displaying an identification sign in accordance with subparagraph "i" of clause 30.3 of these Rules.
Brief application: this clause establishes the prohibition of exceeding, in particular, the 70 km/h limit set by clause 12.6 b) for drivers with less than 2 years of experience.
Clause 30.3 k) (identification sign "Maximum Speed Limit")
The identification sign "Maximum Speed Limit" — an image of road sign 3.29 indicating the permitted speed (diameter 160 mm) — is placed at the rear left of mechanical vehicles driven by drivers with less than 2 years of experience.
Brief application: this clause defines how a vehicle driven by a "beginner driver" should be marked, which corresponds to the special 70 km/h limit outside populated areas.
Clause 33.5.5 — 33 "Road Signs", 5 "Informational and Direction Signs", sign 5.49 "Beginning of a Populated Area"
Sign 5.49 "Beginning of a Populated Area" — informs about the beginning of a populated area; from the place it is installed, the general traffic rules established for driving in populated areas apply.
Brief application: clause 12.6 directly mentions that the restrictions specified in it (including 70 km/h for less than 2 years of experience) also apply to roads passing through populated areas marked with sign 5.49.
That is, the correct answer is "70 km/h", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules (clause 12.6 b)), vehicles driven by drivers with less than 2 years of experience are allowed to travel at no more than 70 km/h outside populated areas on all roads.
When a driver has just received their license and their driving experience does not yet exceed two years, separate, stricter speed limits apply to them. This is done to enhance safety, as beginners have less practical experience in assessing road situations at high speeds.
This question specifically concerns driving outside populated areas on all types of roads. For such conditions, the Traffic Rules have a special provision in clause 12.6 (b): vehicles driven by drivers with less than 2 years of experience are allowed to travel at no more than 70 km/h. That is, this restriction “overrides” the generally higher speed limits outside populated areas that may be set for other drivers.
For example, if you are a driver with less than two years of experience driving on a regular country road, even under favorable conditions (dry road, good visibility, light traffic), you still do not have the right to drive faster than 70 km/h, because this is directly specified in clause 12.6 (b) of the Traffic Rules. This is the maximum permitted speed for your driver category in such conditions.
Therefore, the correct answer is "70 km/h," since according to clause 12.6 (b) of the Traffic Rules, drivers with less than two years of experience are allowed to drive no faster than 70 km/h outside populated areas on all roads.