Texas permit test: following distance & space
Following-distance rules, stopping distance and keeping a space cushion. 4 questions.
In good road conditions at 30 mph or less, what minimum following time does the Texas handbook give?
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Sample following distance & space questions
View diagram
In good road conditions at 30 mph or less, what minimum following time does the Texas handbook give?
- A 2 seconds
- B 4 seconds
- C 1 second
- D 3 seconds
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A. 2 seconds
At 30 mph or less in good conditions, keep at least 2 seconds behind the car ahead; above 30 mph, keep 4 seconds. Add more time when the road is wet or crowded or your view is limited.
What following interval does the Texas handbook call the best practice for a beginning driver?
- A One second
- B Two seconds
- C Four seconds
- D Ten seconds
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C. Four seconds
The handbook calls a four-second following interval the best practice for a beginning or less experienced driver. New drivers react more slowly, so the extra space buys time.
On average, how long does it take a driver to think, react and apply the brakes?
- A 1/2 second
- B 3 seconds
- C 4 seconds
- D 1-1/2 seconds
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D. 1-1/2 seconds
The average person needs 1-1/2 seconds to think, react and brake. During that time the car keeps moving at full speed, which is why following distance matters.
When should you increase your following distance?
- A When the road is wet, traffic is crowded, or your vision is limited
- B Only when following trucks on the freeway
- C Only when driving above 70 mph
- D Only at night on unlit roads
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A. When the road is wet, traffic is crowded, or your vision is limited
Slow down and increase following distance when the road is wet, crowded, or your vision is limited. You should always be able to stop within the distance you can see ahead.