Speed Limits and Safe Following Distance
Limits and conditions
Urban areas in Libya generally carry lower limits than open roads, and motorways higher ones; the exact figure for a given road is set by posted signs, so the sign always governs. A posted limit is a maximum for ideal conditions, not a target. Rain, dust, poor visibility, night driving, or a loaded vehicle all require you to go slower than the sign allows.
The two-second rule
The core skill tested is judging a safe gap. Use the two-second rule: pick a fixed object ahead (a sign or tree). When the vehicle in front passes it, count "one thousand and one, one thousand and two." If you reach the object before finishing, you are too close. Double the gap to four seconds in rain, at night, when following a large vehicle that blocks your view, or when being followed closely yourself.
Stopping distance
Total stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance. Thinking distance grows with speed and with fatigue or alcohol; braking distance grows with the square of speed and with wet or loose surfaces. Doubling speed roughly quadruples braking distance - a favourite exam trap.
Traps to watch
- A question may ask for a minimum safe gap, not the legal limit.
- Overtaking a long vehicle requires more space than a car; drop back to see past it.
- In a built-up area with children, school signs, or parked cars, reduce speed even below the posted limit.
Rule of thumb
If you cannot stop within the distance you can see to be clear, you are driving too fast for the conditions.