A device for the speed control of a vehicle, containing an operator control unit, via which the driver specifies a setpoint speed to be maintained by the vehicle, and a control unit, which positions final controlling elements of the vehicle according to the driver's specification. The device provides that the operator control unit contains at least one speed direct setting control element, which is used for setting a specific setpoint speed value, and the specific setpoint speed value of the vehicle is specifiable and directly settable by a one-time operation of the speed direct setting control element, independently of the instantaneous actual speed of the vehicle.