North Dakota permit test: following distance & space
Following-distance rules, stopping distance and keeping a space cushion. 5 questions.
Using the three-second rule, when are you following too closely?
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Sample following distance & space questions
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Using the three-second rule, when are you following too closely?
- A If you are within one car length per 10 mph
- B If you can see the car's rear tires
- C If you reach the marker after counting one-thousand-and-three
- D If you reach the marker before counting one-thousand-and-three
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D. If you reach the marker before counting one-thousand-and-three
Pick a fixed mark ahead. When the vehicle in front passes it, count one-thousand-and-one, two, three. If you reach the mark before you finish, you are following too closely.
Source: North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual (Class D), 2025-2027, page 26
About how far does it take to stop a car traveling at 55 mph on dry pavement?
- A About 150 feet
- B About 100 feet
- C About 300 feet, or one city block
- D About 600 feet
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C. About 300 feet, or one city block
At 55 mph, the manual says it takes about 300 feet, roughly one city block, to stop on dry pavement. Following too close leaves you without that room.
Source: North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual (Class D), 2025-2027, page 25
In which situation should you leave four or more seconds of following distance?
- A When driving in light traffic in daylight
- B When you are pulling a trailer
- C When the driver ahead uses turn signals
- D When following a small car on dry pavement
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B. When you are pulling a trailer
You need more following distance on slippery roads, behind motorcycles, when pulling a trailer or carrying a heavy load, behind large vehicles, and when someone wants to pass you.
Source: North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual (Class D), 2025-2027, page 26
According to the manual, what happens to your braking distance when you double your speed?
- A It stays the same with good brakes
- B It quadruples
- C It triples
- D It doubles
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B. It quadruples
Doubling your speed quadruples your braking distance. The faster you go, the more space and time you need to stop.
Source: North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual (Class D), 2025-2027, page 46