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Iowa permit test: stopping and following distance

Stopping distance, safe following distance, required stops, ABS, keeping pace with traffic and tailgating. 16 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key stopping and following distance rulesShow the rules
  1. Maximum speed limits are set for ideal driving conditions. (p. 8)
  2. Stopping distance is reaction distance plus braking distance, and both grow as you go faster. (p. 40)
  3. A two-second gap may be enough for an experienced driver in normal conditions. (p. 41)
  4. At speeds of 40 mph, a following distance of four to five seconds is recommended. (p. 41)
  5. On slippery roads, or when the vehicle ahead blocks your view, keep a following distance of six seconds or more. (p. 41)
  6. Tap your brake pedal three or four times quickly so drivers behind know you are about to slow down. (p. 41)
  7. You must always stop at red lights, including where right turns on red are allowed. (p. 41)
  8. Count slowly once the car ahead passes a landmark. (p. 41)
  9. An inexperienced or beginning driver should keep at least a three-second following distance in normal driving conditions. (p. 41)
  10. You must stop before crossing a sidewalk when leaving a private drive or lot, and again when entering a public road. (p. 41)

Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.

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Sample stopping and following distance questions

  1. 1.The road is icy and a large van ahead blocks your view. What following distance is recommended?

    • A2 seconds
    • B4 seconds
    • C6 or more seconds
    • D3 seconds
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. 6 or more seconds

    On slippery roads, or when the vehicle ahead blocks your view, keep a following distance of six seconds or more.

    Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 41

  2. 2.A driver behind you is tailgating. What does the handbook suggest you do?

    • AHold your lane and ignore them
    • BBrake suddenly to warn them
    • CMove slightly right and signal early
    • DSpeed up to open a gap
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. Move slightly right and signal early

    If tailgated, move slightly right, signal early for turns or stops, and slow to encourage them to pass. If all else fails, pull out of traffic.

    Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 48

  3. 3.To check your following distance, you start counting when the car ahead passes a sign. What should be true when you reach three?

    • AYou have just switched lanes
    • BYour bumper is already past the sign
    • CThe car ahead has stopped
    • DYour bumper has not yet passed the sign
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. Your bumper has not yet passed the sign

    Count slowly once the car ahead passes a landmark. Your front bumper should not pass it before you have counted to three.

    Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 41

  4. 4.Your car has antilock brakes (ABS) and you must stop fast. The pedal pushes back against your foot. What should you do?

    • APump the pedal quickly
    • BShift into neutral
    • CEase off the pedal a little
    • DKeep pressing hard on the pedal
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. Keep pressing hard on the pedal

    With ABS, press the brake as hard as you can and keep pressing. Pushback means ABS is working; don't let up.

    Source: Iowa Driver's License Manual (Complete Book) (back cover 'M M1170 07/23/2026'), page 41