California permit test: following distance & space
Following-distance rules, stopping distance and keeping a space cushion. 4 questions.
What following-distance rule does the California handbook teach for normal driving?
Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.
Sample following distance & space questions
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What following-distance rule does the California handbook teach for normal driving?
- A One car length per 10 mph
- B The four-second rule
- C The three-second rule
- D The two-second rule
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C. The three-second rule
California uses the three-second rule. When the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point, count three seconds; if you reach the point first, you are too close. The time gives you room to react if the driver ahead brakes.
How far ahead should you scan the road while driving?
- A At least 3 seconds ahead
- B At least 10 seconds ahead
- C Only to the vehicle in front
- D About 2 car lengths ahead
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B. At least 10 seconds ahead
Keep your eyes moving and scan at least 10 seconds ahead of your vehicle. Seeing problems early lets you avoid last-minute moves.
A driver is tailgating you on a multilane road. What should you do?
- A Slow down sharply so the tailgater is forced to pass you
- B Tap your brakes repeatedly to warn the driver to back off
- C Keep your course and speed, then merge right when safe to let them pass
- D Speed up to open more space between you and the tailgater
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C. Keep your course and speed, then merge right when safe to let them pass
When someone tailgates you, stay calm: keep your course and speed, then move right when it is safe so they can pass. Leaving extra room in front also gives you time to slow gradually if needed.
About how much open space do you need to merge into traffic on a highway?
- A A quarter mile, about 1,300 feet
- B Two car lengths, about 40 feet
- C A full block, about 300 feet
- D Half a block, about 150 feet
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C. A full block, about 300 feet
To merge, enter or exit traffic you need a gap of about half a block (150 feet) on city streets and a full block (about 300 feet) on the highway. Higher speeds need bigger gaps.