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Driver's Permit Knowledge Test (U.S.)

Speed and following distance: practice questions

Our Driver's Permit bank has 8 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.

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Question 1

What does the 'basic speed law' mean?

  1. Speed limits are suggestions
  2. You must never drive faster than is safe for conditions, even below the posted limit
  3. You may drive 10 mph over the limit
  4. You must always drive at the limit
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B. You must never drive faster than is safe for conditions, even below the posted limit — Rain, fog, traffic and visibility may require slower speeds.

Question 2

Is it legal to drive much slower than other traffic on a highway?

  1. Only for trucks
  2. Yes, always
  3. Driving too slowly can be illegal and dangerous if it blocks traffic
  4. Only at night
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C. Driving too slowly can be illegal and dangerous if it blocks traffic — Many highways also post minimum speeds.

Question 3

How should you increase following distance in bad weather?

  1. Follow closely to use the leader's tracks
  2. Increase it to 4 seconds or more
  3. Keep it at 1 second
  4. Decrease it
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B. Increase it to 4 seconds or more — Wet or icy roads increase stopping distance.

Question 4

What is usually the speed limit in a school zone when children are present?

  1. The same as the road's normal posted limit
  2. No limit
  3. The same as the highway
  4. As posted, often 15–25 mph
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D. As posted, often 15–25 mph — Check signs; school zone limits apply at posted times.

Question 5

When may you exceed the posted speed limit to pass another vehicle?

  1. When passing a truck
  2. When the other driver is slow
  3. Never
  4. On a two-lane road
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C. Never — Speed limits apply when passing.

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