Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Permit Practice Test

What is the recommended distance a defensive driver should stay behind the vehicle ahead?

1. One to two seconds

2. Two to three seconds

3. Three to four seconds

4. Five seconds or more

The correct answer is: Two to three seconds

A defensive driver is encouraged to maintain a following distance of two to three seconds behind the vehicle ahead. This distance is ideal because it allows sufficient time to react in various driving conditions, such as sudden stops or emergencies. By counting the seconds between the moment the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point and when the defensive driver reaches that same point, they can gauge their following distance effectively. Two to three seconds is generally considered the minimum safe distance under normal driving conditions, providing enough space for a driver to make a safe stop without tailgating. In adverse weather conditions or when driving at higher speeds, it may be advisable to increase this distance to ensure safety. Maintaining a following distance shorter than two seconds can lead to aggressive driving behaviors, and increase the likelihood of rear-end collisions, as it provides inadequate time for reaction. Conversely, a distance longer than three seconds may be more suitable in specific circumstances but is generally not the standard recommendation for regular driving conditions.