Montana permit test: following distance & space
Following-distance rules, stopping distance and keeping a space cushion. 4 questions.
What following-distance rule does the Montana manual teach for normal conditions?
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Sample following distance & space questions
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What following-distance rule does the Montana manual teach for normal conditions?
- A The three-second rule
- B The four-second rule in every situation
- C One car length for every 10 mph
- D The two-second rule
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A. The three-second rule
Count the seconds from when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point until you reach it. If you get there before you finish three seconds, you are following too closely; drop back and check again.
Why does the manual call for extra following distance behind a motorcycle?
- A Motorcycle brake lights are dimmer than a car's
- B If the motorcycle falls, you need room to avoid the rider
- C Motorcyclists must keep a full lane clear behind them
- D Motorcycles are faster, so they pull ahead quickly
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B. If the motorcycle falls, you need room to avoid the rider
Following a motorcycle is one of the situations that may call for four seconds of space. If the motorcycle falls, especially on wet, icy, gravel or metal surfaces, you need extra distance to avoid the rider.
A driver is tailgating you on a two-lane road with no right lane to move into. What should you do?
- A Stop in the lane so they must go around
- B Speed up to open the gap behind you
- C Tap your brakes hard several times to warn them to back off
- D When the way is clear, reduce speed slowly so they pass
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D. When the way is clear, reduce speed slowly so they pass
If there is no right lane, wait until the way is clear, then reduce speed slowly to encourage the tailgater to go around you. Never slow down quickly to discourage a tailgater.
With good tires and brakes on dry pavement, about how far can it take to react and stop from 50 mph?
- A About 100 feet
- B About 200 feet
- C About 400 feet
- D About 800 feet
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C. About 400 feet
At 50 mph it can take about 400 feet, roughly a city block, to react and stop; at 30 mph about 200 feet. If you cannot see that far ahead, you are driving too fast.