Ohio permit test: following distance & space
Following-distance rules, stopping distance and keeping a space cushion. 4 questions.
What minimum following distance does the Ohio digest recommend behind the vehicle ahead?
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Sample following distance & space questions
View diagram
What minimum following distance does the Ohio digest recommend behind the vehicle ahead?
- A Two seconds
- B Four seconds
- C One second per 20 mph
- D Six seconds
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B. Four seconds
Ohio's digest recommends at least a four-second following distance, or about one vehicle length for every 10 mph. Count from when the car ahead passes a fixed point until you reach it.
Source: Ohio Driver Manual - Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws, section 8
Besides counting seconds, what spacing rule does the Ohio digest give for following distance?
- A One vehicle length for every 5 mph
- B Two vehicle lengths at any speed
- C One vehicle length for every 10 mph
- D One vehicle length for every 20 mph
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C. One vehicle length for every 10 mph
The digest says to keep at least one vehicle length for every 10 mph of speed, or four seconds. Either way, the faster you go, the more space you need.
Source: Ohio Driver Manual - Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws, section 8
According to the Ohio digest, about how far does it take to brake to a stop at 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes?
- A About 58 feet
- B About 335 feet
- C About 158 feet
- D About 100 feet
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C. About 158 feet
At 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, braking distance alone is about 158 feet. Perception and reaction time add more distance before braking even starts.
Source: Ohio Driver Manual - Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws, section 8
When following a motorcycle at low speed in ideal conditions, what minimum following distance does the Ohio digest give?
- A One second
- B Three seconds
- C Two seconds
- D Ten seconds
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B. Three seconds
Keep at least three seconds behind a motorcycle at low speeds in ideal conditions, and four or more seconds when conditions are less than ideal. Motorcycles can stop quickly and may swerve to avoid hazards.
Source: Ohio Driver Manual - Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws, section 9