You are behind the wheel of a 30-foot vehicle going 55 mph. What is the minimum following distance, in seconds, that you should keep?

Answer options

Why

You allow one second per 10 feet of vehicle length, and add a second more when going faster than 40 mph. For a 30-foot vehicle that is 3 seconds, and since you are at 55 mph there is 1 extra, giving 4 seconds in total.

Tip Above 40 mph, divide the vehicle's length in feet by 10 and add one second, so 30 feet works out to 3 plus 1, or 4 seconds.

About this question

Topic: Following distance   License: CDL

Part of these practice sets:

• Managing Space Around Your Vehicle

Where it applies: Asked in every state.

Practice the whole set

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

More questions from Managing Space Around Your Vehicle

• Your vehicle is too long to turn right without swinging wide. Both streets at the intersection have a single lane in each direction. Which figure shows the proper path for the turn?
• What is the best practice for handling the space on either side of your bus?
• Your vehicle is long and needs extra room to turn. At an intersection of two-lane, two-way streets, how should you make a left turn?
• Your combination vehicle is 50 feet long, and you are cruising at 50 mph in good conditions. At a minimum, how many seconds of following distance do you need?
• You need to make a right turn at a corner where two streets with a single lane each way meet, and your truck is too long to clear the corner without a wide swing. Which figure shows the correct way to make the turn?
• Which statement about the space to the sides of your vehicle is true?
• You are about to cross or pull into traffic in a heavy vehicle. What should you keep in mind?
• What could have lowered the actual clearance under a bridge or overpass since its height was posted?