Connecticut permit test: following distance & space
Following-distance rules, stopping distance and keeping a space cushion. 4 questions.
How much following distance does the Connecticut manual recommend behind a motorcycle on a dry road?
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
How much following distance does the Connecticut manual recommend behind a motorcycle on a dry road?
- A 3 to 4 seconds
- B 1 to 2 seconds
- C 2 seconds
- D 6 seconds
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A. 3 to 4 seconds
When following a motorcyclist, allow 3 to 4 seconds, or more on wet roads. Motorcycles can stop quickly, and you need room to avoid the rider if they fall.
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Under normal conditions, what following distance does the Connecticut manual recommend?
- A At least 1 second
- B At least 3 seconds
- C At least 2 seconds
- D One car length per 10 mph
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B. At least 3 seconds
Use the three-second rule: when the car ahead passes a fixed point, count to three before you reach it. It works at any speed; add more time in bad conditions.
In which situation does the manual suggest increasing your following distance to four seconds?
- A On a dry, empty highway in daylight
- B When following a small car
- C When driving below the speed limit
- D When you are pulling a trailer
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D. When you are pulling a trailer
The manual lists situations that need four seconds, including slippery roads, low visibility, following motorcycles or large vehicles, and pulling a trailer. A trailer's extra weight increases your stopping distance.
Someone is tailgating you on a two-lane road and there is no right lane to move into. What should you do?
- A Wait until the road ahead is clear, then slow down gradually
- B Brake hard to warn the tailgater
- C Speed up so you can put more distance between you and the tailgater
- D Stop in your lane until they pass
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A. Wait until the road ahead is clear, then slow down gradually
If there is no lane to move into, wait until the road ahead is clear and then reduce speed slowly. This encourages the tailgater to pass; never slow down quickly to discourage them.