Florida permit test: following distance & space
Following-distance rules, stopping distance and keeping a space cushion. 5 questions.
What minimum following distance does Florida's handbook recommend in good weather and traffic?
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Sample following distance & space questions
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What minimum following distance does Florida's handbook recommend in good weather and traffic?
- A 2 seconds
- B 1 second
- C 4 seconds
- D 6 seconds
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C. 4 seconds
Keep at least four seconds between you and the vehicle ahead in favorable conditions, and more in bad weather or heavy traffic. Count from when the car ahead passes a fixed object until you reach it.
Source: The Official Florida Driver License Handbook (Florida Class E Driver License Handbook), page 69
How closely may you legally follow a fire truck that is responding to an emergency?
- A No closer than 200 feet
- B No closer than 500 feet
- C No closer than 300 feet
- D No closer than 100 feet
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B. No closer than 500 feet
It is against the law to follow a fire truck responding to an emergency closer than 500 feet. Fire trucks may stop suddenly and crews may step into the road.
Source: The Official Florida Driver License Handbook (Florida Class E Driver License Handbook), page 70
At 50 MPH on dry pavement, what is the minimum total distance needed to stop?
- A About 158 feet
- B About 268 feet
- C About 55 feet
- D About 100 feet
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B. About 268 feet
At 50 MPH, perception, reaction and braking add up to a minimum of 268 feet, nearly the length of a football field. Doubling your speed makes the braking part four times longer.
Source: The Official Florida Driver License Handbook (Florida Class E Driver License Handbook), page 68
A driver is following you much too closely. What should you do?
- A Speed up to create more space
- B Slow down and keep to the right
- C Tap your brakes several times to warn them
- D Stop suddenly so they learn to back off
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B. Slow down and keep to the right
If you are being tailgated, slow down and keep to the right so the other driver can pass. Increasing space in front of you also gives you room to stop gradually.
Source: The Official Florida Driver License Handbook (Florida Class E Driver License Handbook), page 70