Arizona permit test: speed and space
Cushion of space, special speed limit areas, school zones, adjusting speed to conditions, stopping distance and speeding. 16 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key speed and space rulesShow the rules
- Most rear-end crashes are caused by following too closely, so keep enough space to stop suddenly. (p. 25)
- To avoid last-minute decisions, look ahead about one city block. (p. 25)
- At times, such as in poor road conditions, you need more than a 3-second cushion; the manual says to give yourself 3 to 6 seconds. (p. 25)
- Arizona's Move Over law requires moving over one lane when passing any vehicle pulled to the side with flashing lights, including tow trucks. (p. 39)
- When no limit is posted, the limit is 25 mph in any business or residential district. (p. 40)
- When no limit is posted, open highways and city freeways have a 55 mph limit. (p. 40)
- When driving in bad weather, double your following distance and reduce speed. (p. 40)
- Allow at least a 3-second following distance in most situations, and more (3 to 6 seconds) when conditions call for it. (p. 53)
- On slippery roads, double your following distance to 6 seconds or more to allow extra room to slow or stop. (p. 53)
- Perception takes about 0.75 seconds and reaction about 0.75 seconds, so seeing and reacting to a threat takes about 1.5 seconds. (p. 53)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample speed and space questions
1.You are driving slower than the traffic around you on a multi-lane road. What should you do?
- ADrive in the right lane and let faster cars pass
- BSpeed up past the limit to match traffic
- CStay in the left lane so others go around you
- DTurn on your hazard lights and keep going
Show the answer
✓ A. Drive in the right lane and let faster cars pass
Driving too slowly can be as dangerous as driving too fast. Keep right and let faster vehicles pass.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual (99-0117) (Revised September 2026), page 40
2.For most driving situations, what is the minimum following distance behind the vehicle ahead?
- A10 seconds
- B2 seconds
- C3 seconds
- D1 second
Show the answer
✓ C. 3 seconds
Allow at least a 3-second following distance in most situations, and more (3 to 6 seconds) when conditions call for it.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual (99-0117) (Revised September 2026), page 53
3.On a multi-lane freeway, a tow truck with flashing lights is stopped on the shoulder. It is safe to change lanes. What must you do?
- AKeep your lane and your speed
- BMove over one lane away from it
- CHonk to warn the tow driver
- DStop behind the tow truck
Show the answer
✓ B. Move over one lane away from it
Arizona's Move Over law requires moving over one lane when passing any vehicle pulled to the side with flashing lights, including tow trucks.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual (99-0117) (Revised September 2026), page 39
4.No speed limit sign is posted on a street in a residential district. What is the speed limit?
- A45 mph
- B15 mph
- C35 mph
- D25 mph
Show the answer
✓ D. 25 mph
When no limit is posted, the limit is 25 mph in any business or residential district.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual (99-0117) (Revised September 2026), page 40