
New drivers who have just obtained their licenses can drive at speeds of 20 km/h or 40 km/h on the road, but this should be determined based on the speed limit of the road. For example: On a road with a speed limit of 80 km/h, it is advisable to drive at around 60 km/h; otherwise, it may cause traffic congestion or rear-end collisions. If you are not yet familiar with driving at higher speeds, it is better to drive slower to ensure safety. New drivers who have just obtained their licenses should pay attention to the following points: 1. Develop the habit of checking rearview mirrors: Many new drivers lack experience in driving fast, and their driving skills may not be up to par, so it is essential to control the speed on the road. The premise of driving is to ensure personal safety. 2. Learn to brake properly: While driving, the right foot should be placed on the brake pedal, which is a crucial precautionary posture. Developing this habit can significantly improve driving safety. 3. Practice driving at slow speeds: During practice, for your own safety and the safety of others, avoid overconfidence and driving too fast. Instead, slow down so that you have time to react in case of any sudden situations.

Is driving at 40 km/h considered slow? As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I'd say it depends on the situation. On narrow downtown roads, 40 km/h isn't slow at all—often, you can't even reach that speed due to traffic lights or pedestrians. But once you hit the ring road or urban expressways where everyone's doing 60-80 km/h, crawling at 40 km/h makes you a moving obstacle. The worst are those who drive 40 km/h on two-lane roads, holding up a dozen cars behind them with furious honking. However, during rainy days with slippery roads, I'd rather maintain a steady 40 km/h than risk a rear-end collision. I remember once seeing someone doing 40 km/h on the highway, and the traffic police ticketed them for slow driving.

As a driving instructor, I often tell my students that speed should vary depending on the situation. 40 km/h is a reasonable speed on community roads, and it should even be reduced to 20 km/h near kindergarten entrances. However, driving at 40 km/h on a main road is absurdly slow and will hold up the entire traffic flow. There's a simple way to judge whether your speed is appropriate: check your rearview mirror to see if there's a line of cars stuck behind you or if others keep overtaking you. If three cars pass you in a row, it's time to speed up. Driving slower in rain or fog is understandable, but cruising at 40 km/h on a clear day with open roads is both fuel-inefficient and likely to draw complaints.

When I first got my driver's license, I only dared to drive at 40 km/h. My instructor said this speed was suitable for the training ground but dangerous on the road. Driving below 40 km/h in traffic flow can easily cause rear-end collisions, especially in tunnels or on curves. Now I understand that speed should follow the speed limit signs: driving at 40 km/h when the sign says 60 is a violation, and driving at 40 km/h in a 30 km/h zone is speeding. The most frustrating thing is when the navigation shows an estimated 40-minute arrival time, but driving at 40 km/h the whole way turns it into 70 minutes. I suggest learning from taxis—they always drive right at the speed limit, both fast and steady.


