Indiana permit test: speed, braking and following distance
Speed limits (interstate, urban, school zones, school buses), braking and following distances, skidding and rollover. 15 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember9 key speed, braking and following distance rulesShow the rules
- In alleys, vehicles may not exceed 15 mph or the posted speed limit. (p. 46)
- Near a school you must slow to the lower posted school zone limit. (p. 46)
- Stopping ability depends on vehicle weight, the type and condition of brakes and tires, the pavement's condition and slickness, and the grade of the road. (p. 46)
- Watch for the vehicle ahead to pass a fixed object, then estimate how much time passes before you reach the same object. (p. 46)
- The manual's chart shows a vehicle at 55 mph covers 80.7 feet every second. (p. 46)
- A good rule is to stay at least two to three seconds behind the vehicle ahead. (p. 46)
- With ABS, keep your foot on the brake with firm, continuous pressure while steering normally. (p. 47)
- Ease off the gas and, with conventional brakes, steer in a controlled manner in the direction the rear is sliding. (p. 47)
- Do not turn back onto the pavement right away; overcorrecting can cause a rollover. (p. 47)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample speed, braking and following distance questions
1.Each of these affects how quickly a vehicle can stop EXCEPT:
- AThe color of the vehicle
- BThe grade of the road
- CThe condition of the brakes and tires
- DThe weight of the vehicle
Show the answer
✓ A. The color of the vehicle
Stopping ability depends on vehicle weight, the type and condition of brakes and tires, the pavement's condition and slickness, and the grade of the road.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual (Published July 2026), page 46
2.How far behind the vehicle ahead does the Indiana manual say you should stay?
- AAt least one car length per 20 mph
- BAt least one second
- CAt least 100 feet
- DAt least two to three seconds
Show the answer
✓ D. At least two to three seconds
A good rule is to stay at least two to three seconds behind the vehicle ahead.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual (Published July 2026), page 46
3.At 55 mph, about how many feet does your vehicle travel each second?
- A102.7 feet
- B80.7 feet
- C150 feet
- D51.3 feet
Show the answer
✓ B. 80.7 feet
The manual's chart shows a vehicle at 55 mph covers 80.7 feet every second. At 35 mph it is 51.3 feet, and at 70 mph 102.7 feet.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual (Published July 2026), page 46
4.A truck with a declared gross weight over 26,000 pounds is on a rural interstate. What is its maximum speed?
- A55 mph
- B70 mph
- C65 mph
- D60 mph
Show the answer
✓ C. 65 mph
Trucks with a declared gross vehicle weight over 26,000 pounds may not exceed 65 mph on rural interstates, 5 mph less than cars.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual (Published July 2026), page 45