Connecticut permit test: speed and space cushion
Following distance, keeping pace, space ahead, behind and to the side, blind spots and speed limits. 16 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key speed and space cushion rulesShow the rules
- You need about a four-second opening to merge. (p. 22, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- Keep up with traffic on the main road. (p. 23, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- On slippery roads you need more room to stop, so use a four-second following distance. (p. 23, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- Drivers of trucks, buses, vans and vehicles towing trailers may not see you directly behind them. (p. 23, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- Speeding saves no more than a few minutes an hour and increases your risk by making you pass more often. (p. 23, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- Split the difference between two hazards. (p. 24, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- Someone beside you may crowd your lane or move into you. (p. 24, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- At 30 mph it takes about 200 feet to stop. (p. 38, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- Speed limits are set for ideal conditions. (p. 38, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- At 50 mph it can take about 400 feet to react and stop, about a city block. (p. 38, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample speed and space cushion questions
1.You are on an entrance ramp to a highway. How should you enter traffic?
- AEnter slowly and let traffic go around you
- BStop at the end of the ramp and wait
- CCut straight across to the left lane
- 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 merge. Don't stop at the end of the ramp unless you must, since drivers behind won't expect it.
Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 22
2.Oncoming cars are on your left and parked cars on your right. Where should you drive?
- AClose to the center line
- BClose to the parked cars
- COver the center line
- DA middle course between them
Show the answer
✓ D. A middle course between them
Split the difference between two hazards. If one is more dangerous, such as an oncoming truck, give a little more room on that side.
Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 24
3.It is snowing hard and you are driving exactly at the posted limit. Can you get a ticket?
- ANo, because you are at the limit
- BOnly if you are involved in a crash
- COnly when you are on a highway
- DYes, for going too fast for conditions
Show the answer
✓ D. Yes, for going too fast for conditions
Speed limits are set for ideal conditions. Even at the posted limit you can be ticketed for driving too fast for road conditions.
Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 38
4.You plan to leave a highway at the next exit. When should you start slowing down?
- AA mile before the exit
- BAfter you move onto the exit ramp
- CIn the travel lane, just before the ramp
- DAs soon as you see the exit sign
Show the answer
✓ B. After you move onto the exit ramp
Keep up with traffic on the main road. If there is an exit ramp, don't slow down until you are on it.
Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 23