Massachusetts permit test: following distance & space
Following-distance rules, stopping distance and keeping a space cushion. 4 questions.
What is the minimum following distance the Massachusetts manual recommends in good conditions?
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Sample following distance & space questions
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What is the minimum following distance the Massachusetts manual recommends in good conditions?
- A One second
- B Two seconds
- C Three seconds
- D One car length per 10 mph
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C. Three seconds
Use the three-second rule: when the car ahead passes a fixed object, count three seconds before you reach it. Three seconds is a minimum for good conditions; allow more in bad weather or heavy traffic.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 51
How much following distance should you keep behind a motorcycle?
- A At least three seconds
- B At least ten seconds
- C At least four seconds
- D At least two seconds
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C. At least four seconds
Leave at least four seconds behind a motorcycle. Motorcycles can stop quickly and may swerve around potholes or debris, so you need extra space.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 51
How much space should you keep between your vehicle and heavy equipment such as a dump truck or tractor?
- A At least six seconds
- B At least ten seconds
- C At least three seconds
- D At least four seconds
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B. At least ten seconds
Keep at least ten seconds behind heavy equipment such as dump trucks and tractors. They can drop debris, stop unexpectedly and block your view of the road ahead.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 51
In Massachusetts, how much can the fine for tailgating be?
- A As much as $1,000
- B As much as $500
- C As much as $100
- D As much as $25
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C. As much as $100
Tailgating is illegal and the main cause of rear-end crashes. The fine can be as high as $100. If someone tailgates you, change lanes or pull over to let them pass.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 51