10 free practice questions on speed limits for the Michigan SOS written knowledge test, each with the correct answer and a short explanation. Study them here, then check yourself in the interactive quiz or the exam simulator.
1. Unless otherwise specified, the speed limit in a residential or commercial area is:
15 mph
✓ 25 mph
35 mph
45 mph
Why: 25 mph is the standard default speed limit for residential and commercial areas, unless otherwise indicated by a sign.
2. What is the maximum speed limit you may encounter on Michigan freeways?
55 mph everywhere
65 mph everywhere
✓ Up to 75 mph on certain freeways, though most are posted lower
There is no maximum speed limit in Michigan
Why: While many Michigan freeways are posted at 70 mph, the state allows limits as high as 75 mph on certain designated freeway segments.
3. On a two-lane highway with no median and no posted speed limit, the default speed limit is:
45 mph
✓ 55 mph
65 mph
There is no limit
Why: 55 mph is the default speed limit for two-lane undivided highways.
4. If you are caught driving 100 mph or more over a much lower posted limit, what can you generally expect?
Only a verbal warning
✓ A significant fine and the possibility of license suspension
No penalty as long as traffic is light
A brief written note with no other consequence
Why: Extreme speeding, such as driving 100 mph or more well above the posted limit, is treated as a serious offense and can lead to steep fines and suspension of your driver's license.
5. The “Basic Speed Law” means that you must drive slower than the posted speed limit when:
You're running late
✓ Weather, traffic, or road conditions make the specified speed limit unsafe
A police officer happened to be nearby
This rule never applies—the specified limit is always safe
Why: The fundamental rule regarding speed requires drivers to travel at a speed that is safe for the current conditions, even if it is below the posted limit.
6. Within 500 feet of a school where children are crossing the street, the speed limit is usually:
15 mph
✓ 25 mph
35 mph
45 mph
Why: Within a 500-foot school zone, the speed limit is usually 25 mph (in certain active zones, it is 15 mph, as indicated by a separate sign).
7. Unless otherwise specified, the speed limit in an alley is:
10 mph
✓ 15 mph
25 mph
35 mph
Why: In alleys, the standard default speed limit is 15 mph.
8. At a blind intersection without signs, the speed limit is:
10 mph
✓ 15 mph
25 mph
35 mph
Why: At an intersection with limited visibility and no signs, the speed limit is 15 mph.
9. When approaching a railroad crossing with limited visibility, you must reduce your speed to 15 mph within:
50 feet
✓ 100 feet
200 feet
500 feet
Why: Within 100 feet of such a railroad crossing, the speed limit is 15 mph.
10. When passing a school bus that is stopped in a designated “safety zone” with its warning lights on, you must reduce your speed to:
5 mph
✓ 10 mph
15 mph
25 mph
Why: The speed limit near the designated safety zone by the bus is 10 mph.
About the Michigan written test
50questions on the real test
40/50correct answers to pass (80%)
Next day → 30 dayswait grows after repeated fails (3rd+ fail)