Arkansas permit test: speed, following distance and space
Adjusting speed and matching traffic flow, visibility and reaction, the two-second rule, the safety cushion, merging gaps, hills and curves. 25 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key speed, following distance and space rulesShow the rules
- Rear-end collisions are common in work zones, so keep a safe following distance. (p. 32, Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 - Edition 10 (VOLUME 1 - EDITION 10, October 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Slow down before a curve so you don't have to brake in it. (p. 66, Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 - Edition 10 (VOLUME 1 - EDITION 10, October 2026) (opens the handbook))
- On packed snow, cut your speed in half. (p. 67, Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 - Edition 10 (VOLUME 1 - EDITION 10, October 2026) (opens the handbook))
- On ice you must slow down to a coast. (p. 67, Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 - Edition 10 (VOLUME 1 - EDITION 10, October 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Farm tractors, animal-drawn vehicles and road maintenance vehicles usually go 25 mph or less. (p. 69, Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 - Edition 10 (VOLUME 1 - EDITION 10, October 2026) (opens the handbook))
- At 40 mph the total stopping distance is about 124 feet, even with good tires, brakes and dry pavement. (p. 70, Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 - Edition 10 (VOLUME 1 - EDITION 10, October 2026) (opens the handbook))
- If you cannot see more than 200 feet because of rain or fog, do not drive faster than 30 mph. (p. 70, Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 - Edition 10 (VOLUME 1 - EDITION 10, October 2026) (opens the handbook))
- At 55 mph the average car needs about 225 feet in total to stop, so keep plenty of space ahead. (p. 70, Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 - Edition 10 (VOLUME 1 - EDITION 10, October 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Count seconds from when the car ahead passes a fixed point until you reach it. (p. 71, Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 - Edition 10 (VOLUME 1 - EDITION 10, October 2026) (opens the handbook))
- When merging, look for about a four-second gap. (p. 73, Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1 - Edition 10 (VOLUME 1 - EDITION 10, October 2026) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample speed, following distance and space questions
1.A car is tailgating you on a two-lane road with no right lane. What should you do?
- AWhen the road ahead is clear, ease off
- BSpeed up until the other car falls back
- CBrake hard so the other driver backs off
- DTurn on your hazard lights and stop
Show the answer
✓ A. When the road ahead is clear, ease off
With no right lane, wait until the road ahead is clear and reduce speed so the tailgater can pass. Never slow down too quickly.
2.What does the two-second rule help you check?
- AWhether you are following too closely
- BWhen to start braking for a red light
- CHow long to signal before a turn
- DHow long to wait at a stop sign
Show the answer
✓ A. Whether you are following too closely
Count seconds from when the car ahead passes a fixed point until you reach it. If you get there before two seconds, drop back.
3.You are on an entrance ramp to a highway. What should you do?
- AStop at the end of the ramp and wait
- BEnter slowly and let traffic go around you
- CMerge at the speed limit of the ramp only
- DUse the ramp to match the speed of traffic
Show the answer
✓ D. Use the ramp to match the speed of traffic
Use the ramp to build up to the speed of traffic before you pull onto the road. Don't stop at the end of the ramp.
4.When should you slow down for a curve?
- AOnly if the curve is posted
- BBefore you enter the curve
- CIn the middle of the curve
- DAs you leave the curve
Show the answer
✓ B. Before you enter the curve
Slow down before a curve so you don't have to brake in it. Braking in a curve can make the car skid.