Rhode Island permit test: following distance & space
Following-distance rules, stopping distance and keeping a space cushion. 4 questions.
Using a fixed point such as a sign, what following distance does the manual 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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Using a fixed point such as a sign, what following distance does the manual recommend in normal conditions?
- A At least 3 seconds
- B At least 1 second
- C At least 2 seconds
- D One car length per 20 mph
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A. At least 3 seconds
Count seconds after the car ahead passes a fixed point. If you reach the point before you finish counting to three, you are too close. Slow down and count again.
It is raining and dark. How does the manual tell you to adjust your following distance?
- A Keep 3 seconds, since rain does not matter
- B Add an extra second for each poor condition
- C Double it only on highways
- D Add one car length for each 10 mph of your speed
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B. Add an extra second for each poor condition
When driving in poor weather or road conditions, add one more second of following distance for each imperfect condition. Rain plus darkness would mean at least five seconds.
How much following distance should you keep behind a motorcycle?
- A At least 2 seconds
- B At least 4 seconds
- C At least 3 seconds
- D At least 6 seconds
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B. At least 4 seconds
Keep at least a four-second cushion behind a motorcycle. Riders often slow by downshifting or rolling off the throttle without showing a brake light.
After you see a hazard, about how long does it take the average driver to apply the brake?
- A About one-tenth of a second or less
- B About 3 seconds
- C About three-quarters of a second
- D About 5 seconds
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C. About three-quarters of a second
The average driver needs about three-quarters of a second to get a foot on the brake after seeing danger. During that time the car keeps moving, so higher speeds mean longer stopping distances.