247SimpleTests
DMV Permit · Speed Limits

The 3-second following distance rule — how do you apply it?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Choose a fixed object ahead (sign, tree, overpass); when the vehicle in front passes it, begin counting seconds; your vehicle should not reach the same object until you have counted at least 3 seconds — if less than 3, you are following too closely

  1. A Follow 3 car lengths behind
  2. B Count to 3 before accelerating from a stop
  3. C Choose a fixed object ahead (sign, tree, overpass); when the vehicle in front passes it, begin counting seconds; your vehicle should not reach the same object until you have counted at least 3 seconds — if less than 3, you are following too closely
  4. D Count 3 seconds while changing lanes

Why this is the answer

3-SECOND FOLLOWING DISTANCE TEST:

Procedure: Pick a fixed roadside marker (sign, overpass, line on road) when it's dry, light conditions at normal speed; Note when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes it; Count 'one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three' at a steady rate; Your front bumper should not reach the marker until you finish counting; If you reach it sooner, you are following too closely.

Adjust for conditions: Wet road: 4-5 seconds; Snow/ice: 6-10 seconds; Night or fog: 4 seconds; Towing a trailer: add 1-2 seconds; Following a large truck: add 1-2 seconds (they stop faster but you can't see past them); Heavy traffic: give more space even if others don't — it gives you time to react and prevents rear-ending the vehicle ahead if traffic suddenly stops.

Source: DMV Rules of the Road — 3-Second Following Distance

Practice more questions

This question is from our DMV Permit Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Speed Limits and other topics.

Take the Rules of the Road practice test →

About this topic: Speed Limits

Speed limit questions cover the default limits in school zones, residential areas, business districts and highways, the basic speed rule (never faster than conditions allow) and how to adjust speed for weather and traffic. This is one of 11 Rules of the Road questions on speed limits, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our DMV Permit exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Speed Limits

What is the typical speed limit on a US Interstate highway in most states?

 Speed Limits

What is the speed limit in a residential area or business district when no limit is posted?

 Speed Limits

What does a yellow advisory speed sign on a curve mean?

 Speed Limits

What is the minimum speed law on most US highways?

State-specific guides

Need information for your state? Our state guides cover local requirements, fees, and what to expect on exam day.

California Texas Florida New York Pennsylvania Illinois Ohio Georgia

Recommended study materials

Study guide

DMV Permit Test Study Guide (Learner Editions)

State-by-state driver's license and learner's permit prep, road signs, and rules of the road in plain language.

Check Price → Study guide

Road Rules & Signs Workbook (Exambusters)

Targeted flashcard-style review of road signs, right-of-way rules, and speed limits for all 50 states.

Check Price → Study guide

Prepare for the Learner's Permit Test (Sterling)

Practice questions and explanations for teen and adult first-time driver license test takers.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →