When you travel at highway speed on dry pavement, what is the minimum safe following distance behind the vehicle ahead?

Answer options

Why

On dry pavement at highway speed, the minimum safe gap behind the vehicle ahead is 3 to 4 seconds; some states recommend a full 4. Leaving more room is fine, but only 2 seconds leaves too little time to react and stop.

About this question

Topic: Following distance   License: Car permit

Part of these practice sets:

• Scanning, Space and Communication

Where it applies: Asked in every state. Compare permit tests by state

Practice the whole set

This question is part of Scanning, Space and Communication (20 questions). Take the full set and check your score.

More questions from Scanning, Space and Communication

• What is the four-second rule meant to help you do?
• A key principle of defensive driving is to:
• Why does it matter to keep a cushion of space around your vehicle?
• Drivers behind you may be caught off guard because you have to slow down or stop at an unexpected place. What should you do?
• Which of these habits is an example of driving defensively?
• Looking far enough down the road helps you avoid abrupt maneuvers at the last second. What is the minimum number of seconds in front of your vehicle that you should be scanning?
• Where around your vehicle should you try to maintain a cushion of space?
• What is one good way to reduce your chances of being in a crash?