Everyday motoring
Do novice-driver speed limits also apply with an A licence?
Yes. Article 117 includes A2 and A: for three years after obtaining the relevant category, the limits are 100 km/h and 90 km/h on specified roads.
The special speed limits do not apply only to new car drivers: Article 117 also lists categories A2 and A. For the first three years after obtaining the relevant category, the maximum is 100 km/h on motorways and 90 km/h on main extra-urban roads. Lower posted limits always apply as well.
The category and its issue date matter
Article 117 names categories A2, A, B1 and B. After obtaining A2 or A, you must observe the special limits for three years: no more than 100 km/h on motorways and 90 km/h on main extra-urban roads. The period starts from the date the relevant category was obtained. If you hold several categories issued on different dates, do not assume the date of your first licence controls every later one; check your document and ask the Motor Vehicle Office if your history is unusual.
The rule applies to road classes defined in the Highway Code. A road locally called a ring road is not automatically a motorway or main extra-urban road. Look at the entry signs and any limits imposed on the stretch. Ordinary limits continue to apply on other roads.
Follow all other speed rules too
The novice-driver cap does not replace other limits. Apply the lowest of the personal cap, the ordinary limit for the vehicle and any limit shown on signs. If a motorway section is temporarily limited to 80 km/h, you cannot travel at 100 just because that is your personal cap. Rain, traffic and poor visibility may require an even lower speed.
These speed limits should be kept separate from power restrictions, which under the current regime concern category B and depend on the date the licence was obtained. Riding a motorcycle with A2 or A remains subject to the licence category and vehicle characteristics as well as road limits. When studying a quiz, distinguish a question about speed from the rule on cars driven by a category B novice driver.
To keep road limits and licence categories straight, study chapters, practise exam quizzes and review mistakes with Quiz Patente Ufficiale.
Frequently asked questions
When do the three years start for A2 or A?
They start from the date you obtain the A2 or A category named in Article 117. If you obtained categories on different dates, check your document and confirm your case with the Motor Vehicle Office.
May I drive at 100 km/h on any extra-urban road?
No. The 100 km/h cap applies on motorways. On main extra-urban roads, the novice-driver cap is 90 km/h, and lower signs take priority.