Lesson · For the learner's permit test (仮免)

Speed and following distance

Legal speed limits, including the 30 km/h default on roads without a center line since September 2026, following distance and stopping distance.

Rules as of Oct 22, 2026

What the test asks about

  • No center line, lanes or divider: 30 km/h default. (教則 第5章 第4節 1(1)、注8(令和8年国家公安委員会告示第32号))
  • A posted limit replaces the default limit. (教則 第5章 第4節 1(1)(令和8年国家公安委員会告示第32号))
  • Below the limit, still choose a safe speed; pedestrians first. (教則 第5章 第4節 1(3)(令和8年国家公安委員会告示第32号))
  • Stopping distance = reaction distance + braking distance. (教則 第5章 第4節 2(1))
  • Keep enough distance to stop if the car ahead stops suddenly. (教則 第5章 第4節 2(4))
  • 徐行 = slow enough to stop immediately. (教則 第5章 第4節 4)
  • Center line, lanes or divider: 60 km/h default. (教則 第5章 第4節 1(1)(令和8年国家公安委員会告示第32号))
  • Directions divided by a barrier: 60 km/h default. (教則 第5章 第4節 1(1)、注8(4)(令和8年国家公安委員会告示第32号))
  • Mopeds: 30 km/h max, lower if a sign says so. (教則 第5章 第4節 1(2))
  • Tired driver: longer reaction distance. (教則 第5章 第4節 2(2))
  • Wet road, worn tires: stopping distance about doubles. (教則 第5章 第4節 2(3))
  • No sudden braking unless needed to avoid danger. (教則 第5章 第4節 3(3))

Signs in this lesson

  • Maximum speed Maximum speed (最高速度) Vehicles must not go faster than the speed shown (mopeds are capped at 30 km/h even if a higher number is shown).

Check yourself

10 questions from this topic, with the answer and the rule after each one.

Sources

Ready for a full test? Try the learner's permit mock exam.