When are you permitted to drive faster than the posted speed limit?

1. Never. ✓
2. On freeways.
3. When you are keeping up with the traffic.
4. During daylight hours when conditions are excellent.

Answer: A. Never.

You are never permitted to drive faster than the posted speed limit.

Why this is the answer

The handbook treats the posted speed as the maximum for ideal conditions only, so even perfect weather and clear roads do not make going over it acceptable. When conditions are less than ideal, such as slippery roads or limited visibility, the handbook says to pick a slower speed, not a faster one. It also notes that driving over the speed limit increases fuel consumption, and that construction signs tell you to stay within the posted speed. Nothing in these passages allows you to exceed the limit for any reason.

Why the other answers are wrong

• B. On freeways. — Nothing in the passages makes freeways an exception — the posted speed is described as the maximum for ideal conditions, and freeways are not singled out as a place to go beyond it.
• C. When you are keeping up with the traffic. — The handbook's advice about traffic flow is about not driving much slower than others so they don't get frustrated and try to pass, not permission to match or beat the limit.
• D. During daylight hours when conditions are excellent. — Daylight and good conditions don't raise the limit; the handbook says the posted speed applies to ideal conditions, and you should go slower when conditions are poor.

Remember it

Treat the posted number as a ceiling, not a target — ideal weather doesn't move the ceiling up.