Delaware permit test: speed and space cushion
Speed limits and minimum speed, adjusting speed to conditions and traffic, the sight distance rule, and following distance. 23 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key speed and space cushion rulesShow the rules
- The 65 mph limit applies on Route 1 and Interstate 495. (p. 93, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Delaware's general speed restriction says you must not drive faster than is reasonable for conditions, so the posted limit isn't always lawful. (p. 93, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Divided roads and roads with four or more lanes have a 55 mph limit, as do controlled-access highways. (p. 93, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Business and residential districts have a 25 mph limit unless posted otherwise. (p. 93, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- On packed snow, cut your speed in half. (p. 123, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- On a wet road, reduce speed by about 10 mph. (p. 123, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Most tires grip well on wet roads up to about 35 mph; in heavy rain they can lose all traction at about 50 mph. (p. 124, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Heat brings oil in the asphalt to the surface. (p. 124, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Three seconds is the minimum, but when following a motorcycle, especially on wet or metal surfaces where it may fall, you may need four seconds. (p. 128, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Watch the rear of the car ahead pass a fixed point, then count the seconds until you reach it. (p. 128, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (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.Using the three-second rule, how do you check your following distance?
- ACount how long it takes you to change lanes
- BCount three full car lengths behind the car ahead
- CCount from the car passing a point to you reaching it
- DCount how long the car ahead's brake lights stay on
Show the answer
✓ C. Count from the car passing a point to you reaching it
Watch the rear of the car ahead pass a fixed point, then count the seconds until you reach it. If you get there before three seconds, you're too close.
2.Cars are bunched behind you because you are driving well below the speed of traffic. What should you do?
- ASpeed up to 10 over the limit
- BPull over when safe to let them by
- CBrake to make them back off
- DKeep going; they can wait
Show the answer
✓ B. Pull over when safe to let them by
Going much slower than traffic is as bad as speeding. If vehicles pile up behind you, pull over when safe and let them pass, or keep pace with traffic.
3.You are using an entrance ramp to join a highway. What should you do?
- AMerge at 20 mph below traffic
- BStop at the ramp's end and wait
- CUse the shoulder to merge
- DUse the ramp to reach traffic speed
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✓ D. Use the ramp to reach traffic speed
Build up speed on the ramp so you join traffic at about its speed. Stopping at the end of the ramp leaves no room to speed up and surprises drivers behind you.
4.There is a sharp curve ahead. When should you slow down?
- AIn the middle of the curve
- BBefore you enter the curve
- COnly if the curve is wet
- DAfter you leave the curve
Show the answer
✓ B. Before you enter the curve
Slow down before you enter the curve so you don't have to brake in it. Braking in a curve can cause a skid.