Wisconsin permit test: following distance & space
Following-distance rules, stopping distance and keeping a space cushion. 4 questions.
What following-distance rule does the Wisconsin handbook teach in good 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
View diagram
What following-distance rule does the Wisconsin handbook teach in good conditions?
- A Four seconds
- B Two seconds
- C One car length per 10 mph
- D Three seconds
Show answer
A. Four seconds
Use the four-second following distance rule: pick a fixed object and count 'one thousand one' to 'one thousand four.' If you reach the object first, you are too close.
It is raining and traffic is heavier than usual. Using the handbook's rule, what following distance should you keep?
- A Eight seconds
- B Five seconds
- C Six seconds
- D Four seconds
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C. Six seconds
Start with four seconds and add one second for every adverse condition, such as heavier traffic, rain, snow or ice. Rain plus heavy traffic means six seconds.
Under the handbook's sight distance rule, you must slow down if you cannot see at least how far ahead of your vehicle?
- A 3 to 5 seconds ahead
- B Two car lengths ahead
- C 10 to 15 seconds ahead
- D 20 to 30 seconds ahead
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C. 10 to 15 seconds ahead
Under the sight distance rule, you should be able to see 10 to 15 seconds ahead. If you cannot, slow down so you have better control.
A driver is tailgating you. What does the handbook recommend?
- A Slowly reduce your speed to encourage them to pass
- B Speed up to put distance between you
- C Tap your brakes hard to warn them
- D Move onto the shoulder and stop at once
Show answer
A. Slowly reduce your speed to encourage them to pass
If someone is tailgating, slowly reduce your speed. This encourages them to drive around you and adds space in front of you.