CDL · Following distance

How should you measure the amount of space you are leaving in front of your vehicle?

Correct answer: Count the seconds from when the vehicle ahead passes a clear landmark until you reach it.

Answer options

  1. ACount the seconds from when the vehicle ahead passes a clear landmark until you reach it. Correct
  2. BMake a rough guess of how long it would take you to catch up with the vehicle in front.
  3. CEstimate how many car lengths would fit between your vehicle and the one in front.

Why

Counting seconds from a fixed reference point turns following distance into a real measurement instead of a guess. Compare the count with the minimum for your vehicle's length and speed, and allow more time in bad weather or heavy traffic.

About this question

Topic: Following distance   License: CDL

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Where it applies: Asked in every state.

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This question is part of Managing Space Around Your Vehicle (31 questions). Take the full set and check your score.

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