South Dakota permit test: following distance & space
Following-distance rules, stopping distance and keeping a space cushion. 5 questions.
What minimum following distance does the South Dakota manual recommend behind the vehicle ahead?
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Sample following distance & space questions
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What minimum following distance does the South Dakota manual recommend behind the vehicle ahead?
- A 3 seconds
- B 1 car length per 10 mph
- C 4 seconds
- D 2 seconds
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C. 4 seconds
Keep a minimum following distance of 4 seconds. Note when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point and count "one thousand one" to "one thousand four"; if you reach the point first, you are too close.
You are driving at night on a road you have never driven before. How much should you add to your normal following distance?
- A At least five additional seconds
- B Nothing, if your high beams are on
- C At least two additional seconds
- D At least one additional second
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C. At least two additional seconds
Add at least one second to your following distance for night driving, and at least two seconds when driving unfamiliar roads at night. You can see less at night and need more time to react to what your headlights reveal.
Which situation calls for MORE than your normal following distance?
- A Driving in daylight with light traffic
- B Following a motorcycle on a wet road
- C Following a car on a dry, straight road
- D Following a car that has its headlights on
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B. Following a motorcycle on a wet road
Increase following distance behind motorcycles and bicycles, especially on wet, icy or gravel roads, metal bridge surfaces or railroad tracks. If the rider falls, you need room to avoid hitting them.
About how far does it take to brake to a stop from 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, not counting reaction time?
- A About 80 feet
- B About 335 feet
- C About 50 feet
- D About 158 feet
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D. About 158 feet
At 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, braking distance alone is about 158 feet. Perception and reaction time add even more distance, which is why a generous following distance matters.