Missouri permit test: following distance & space
Following-distance rules, stopping distance and keeping a space cushion. 4 questions.
What following-distance rule does the Missouri Driver Guide recommend in normal conditions?
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 Missouri Driver Guide recommend in normal conditions?
- A Two seconds
- B One car length for every 10 mph
- C Three seconds
- D Five seconds
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C. Three seconds
Pick a fixed object ahead and count when the car in front passes it. If you reach the object before counting to three seconds, you are too close.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide, page 59
How much following distance does the guide recommend when driving on snow or ice?
- A About eight to ten seconds
- B About three seconds
- C About four to five seconds
- D About 15 to 20 seconds
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A. About eight to ten seconds
Stopping takes much longer on snow or ice, so leave about eight to ten seconds between you and the vehicle ahead. Brake gently and smoothly to avoid skidding.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide, page 65
A driver is tailgating you on a two-lane road with no right lane to move into. What should you do?
- A Brake suddenly a few times to warn them that they are too close
- B Wait until the road ahead is clear, then slow down gradually
- C Speed up to get away from them
- D Stop in your lane to make them go around
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B. Wait until the road ahead is clear, then slow down gradually
If you are tailgated and cannot move right, wait for a clear stretch and slow down slowly so the driver can pass. Never slow down suddenly to discourage a tailgater.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide, page 59
Your total stopping distance is made up of which two parts?
- A Braking distance plus following distance
- B Reaction distance plus following distance
- C Braking distance plus skid distance
- D Reaction distance plus braking distance
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D. Reaction distance plus braking distance
Stopping distance is your reaction distance, the distance covered before you hit the brakes, plus braking distance. Speed, fatigue and bad brakes all make it longer.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide, page 60