Idaho permit test: speed, stopping and following distance
Speed limits, stopping rules, following distances and keeping a space cushion. 18 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key speed, stopping and following distance rulesShow the rules
- Idaho's basic rule requires a reasonable and prudent speed at all times, considering traffic, road surface, visibility, curves and other conditions. (p. 68)
- The interstate limit is 75 mph unless posted otherwise, and 80 mph may be allowed where it is posted. (p. 68)
- Unless otherwise posted, the maximum speed in any residential, business or urban district in Idaho is 35 mph. (p. 68)
- On Idaho state highways the maximum is 65 mph; 70 mph may be allowed where posted. (p. 68)
- Idaho law bans driving in the extreme left lane for long enough to impede other traffic traveling at a lawful speed. (p. 69)
- Obey posted limits in work zones. (p. 69)
- The three-second rule is the minimum recommended following distance. (p. 79)
- Three seconds is the minimum in good conditions. (p. 80)
- Keep a space cushion on all sides. (p. 80)
- To keep a space cushion, stay in the middle of your lane and keep enough room ahead to stop or pass safely. (p. 80)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample speed, stopping and following distance questions
1.When should you test your brakes most often, according to the handbook?
- AWhen roads are wet, icy or snowy
- BOnly when your car is brand new
- COnly after a crash or repair
- DOnly before long highway trips
Show the answer
✓ A. When roads are wet, icy or snowy
To avoid tailgating crashes, know how quickly your brakes stop you and test them often, especially when roads are wet, icy or snowy.
2.The signal shows a steady red light together with a green arrow pointing right. What may you do?
- AGo only in the direction of the green arrow
- BGo straight, since one light is green
- CTurn left after yielding to traffic
- DWait until all lights turn green
Show the answer
✓ A. Go only in the direction of the green arrow
When a green arrow shows with a steady red light, you may proceed only in the direction of the green arrow.
3.A car is tailgating you on a two-lane road. What does the handbook advise?
- ABrake hard to warn the driver
- BSlow down and let it pass
- CSpeed up to open the gap
- DMove onto the shoulder and stop
Show the answer
✓ B. Slow down and let it pass
Keep a space cushion on all sides. If someone follows too closely, slow down and let them pass.
4.You are driving slowly on a two-lane road, and 4 cars are stuck behind you. What must you do?
- APull off where safe to let them pass
- BKeep going, since you have the right to the lane
- CSpeed up to the posted speed limit
- DWave the cars around you into oncoming lanes
Show the answer
✓ A. Pull off where safe to let them pass
Any vehicle slower than normal traffic that delays three or more vehicles on a rural or two-lane road must turn off where safe to let them pass.