Regional Roads and Driving Outside Built-Up Areas on Your Test

Some exam routes run along a regional road: a bigger road with an N number, where traffic moves faster than in the streets around the exam centre. For many candidates that takes some getting used to. The speed is higher, the distances are longer and mistakes are harder to fix. With a little preparation, it is actually a calm part of the test.

What is a regional road?

A regional road is a road managed by the region, not by the municipality. You recognise it by its N number, for example N9 or N80. They are often the connections between municipalities, with more and faster traffic than in a residential area. On the route pages on this site, the regional roads of each route are listed in the points of attention.

Which speed may you drive?

That depends on the signs. Inside a built-up area the limit is usually 50 km/h, unless a sign says otherwise. Outside built-up areas it differs by region and by road: on many roads in Flanders 70 km/h is the rule, while in Wallonia the limit is often 90 km/h. When you leave the built-up area on a regional road, a sign tells you, and a different speed may start there.

So never count on what you are used to. Look at the signs, even if you know the road. A speed limit can change when you least expect it.

The end of the built-up area

The sign marking the end of the built-up area is a moment where many candidates make a mistake. They speed up before the sign, or they don't speed up at all and then drive far too slowly. Both stand out. Drive to the sign at the speed that applies there and only then adjust your speed, calmly and smoothly.

If you accelerate just before it to look fluent, you risk driving too fast inside the built-up area. If you dawdle after the sign, you hold up the traffic behind you and look unsure.

Keep enough distance

At higher speeds you need more distance. A useful rule of thumb: at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front. Pick a fixed point along the road, such as a pole. As soon as the vehicle in front passes it, count calmly to two. If you reach that pole earlier, you are too close.

In rain or poor visibility, double that distance. An examiner pays close attention to this, because not keeping enough distance is one of the most common causes of accidents.

Priority on regional roads

Many regional roads have priority over the side streets. You recognise that by the priority sign, a yellow diamond with a white border, and by the triangles or stop signs in the side streets. If you are on the priority road yourself, stay alert: a side street means someone can pull out, even without having priority.

If you come out of a side street yourself, you give way and wait for a big enough gap. Don't underestimate the speed of the traffic. A vehicle that seems far away reaches you faster on a regional road than you think.

Turning left from a regional road

Turning left from a busy road is a tricky moment. Position yourself in time, signal and let oncoming traffic pass first. If you are stopped to turn, make sure the cars behind you can pass safely or stop in time. Check your mirrors and don't be afraid to wait: an examiner prefers patience over a risky manoeuvre. Also read our article on turning left for more on positioning and the turn itself.

Cyclists along the road

On some regional roads cyclists ride on a cycle path beside the road, on others on the carriageway itself. Always give a cyclist plenty of room when you pass, and adjust your speed. Even with a cycle path beside the road, watch for cyclists who suddenly cross or come out of a driveway.

It isn't only about distance. If you pass fast and close, you cause a rush of air that can make a cyclist wobble. So take more time and more space than you think you need.

Overtaking

On an exam route, overtaking is rarely necessary. Before you consider it, ask yourself whether it is really needed. A slow vehicle, such as a tractor, can be a reason, but only if it is safe, clear and allowed. An examiner usually prefers that you stay patiently behind the vehicle and keep your distance.

Only do it when you can see a long, clear stretch of road and nobody is coming towards you. In doubt? Then don't.

Slip roads

Some routes use a slip road onto a bigger road. Check what the priority arrangement is, accelerate along the merging lane until your speed matches the traffic and only merge when there is a gap. When you leave the road, you start braking in time on the exit slip road and not already on the main road. You can find more on merging in our article on merging and changing lanes.

Slow traffic along the way

Outside town you may run into a tractor, a lorry or a cyclist moving more slowly than everyone else. Stay calm. You don't have to get past straight away, and certainly not when the road isn't clear ahead. Let a little more distance build up and check your mirrors, because a small queue may already be forming behind you. A good driver stays relaxed and picks their moment.

What the examiner looks at

It isn't about the highest speed, but about a steady and logical one. An examiner wants to see that you read the signs, that you ease off the accelerator in time, that you keep your distance and that you check your mirrors regularly. If you drive on a regional road the way you would drive in town, only a bit faster, you are doing well.

How to practise

Drive on several regional roads with your supervisor, preferably at different times. A quiet road on a Sunday morning feels completely different from the same road at rush hour. Watch three things together: whether you adjust your speed to the signs in time, whether your following distance is enough and whether you keep scanning the side streets.

Also look at the practice routes for your exam centre. You can see straight away which regional roads are on the route, so you can get to know them in advance and not be surprised on the day itself.