Kentucky permit test: speed and following distance
Kentucky speed limits, adjusting to conditions, stopping distance and following distance. 18 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key speed and following distance rulesShow the rules
- When no limit is posted, Kentucky's limit on interstate highways and parkways is 65 mph. (p. 57, Kentucky Driver Manual (none printed) (opens the handbook))
- In an off-street parking facility open to the public, whether publicly or privately owned, the limit is 15 mph. (p. 57, Kentucky Driver Manual (none printed) (opens the handbook))
- Kentucky's speed limit in a business or residential district is 35 mph unless a sign shows otherwise. (p. 57, Kentucky Driver Manual (none printed) (opens the handbook))
- When not posted, the limit on all other state highways is 55 mph. (p. 57, Kentucky Driver Manual (none printed) (opens the handbook))
- The secretary of transportation may increase the speed limit on specific highways to 70 mph. (p. 57, Kentucky Driver Manual (none printed) (opens the handbook))
- Always reduce speed before entering a curve. (p. 58, Kentucky Driver Manual (none printed) (opens the handbook))
- Perception time, the time to recognize you must stop, is about ¾ second to 1 second for an alert driver. (p. 58, Kentucky Driver Manual (none printed) (opens the handbook))
- When heavy rain, snow or fog keeps you from seeing more than 100 feet ahead, you cannot safely drive faster than 25 mph. (p. 58, Kentucky Driver Manual (none printed) (opens the handbook))
- You are following too closely if you reach the stationary point before counting to one thousand four. (p. 59, Kentucky Driver Manual (none printed) (opens the handbook))
- Always try to keep at least a 4-second following distance. (p. 59, Kentucky Driver Manual (none printed) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample speed and following distance questions
1.What is the speed limit in a public off-street parking lot or garage in Kentucky?
- A15 mph
- B25 mph
- C5 mph
- D10 mph
Show the answer
✓ A. 15 mph
In an off-street parking facility open to the public, whether publicly or privately owned, the limit is 15 mph.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Kentucky State Police) (none printed), page 57
2.What is the unposted speed limit on Kentucky state highways that are not interstates or parkways?
- A45 mph
- B65 mph
- C55 mph
- D50 mph
Show the answer
✓ C. 55 mph
When not posted, the limit on all other state highways is 55 mph.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Kentucky State Police) (none printed), page 57
3.You are riding alongside another car, slightly behind it. What should you do?
- ASpeed up or drop back so you are not in its blind spot
- BStay there to keep pace
- CMove closer to the center line
- DHonk to let the driver know you are there
Show the answer
✓ A. Speed up or drop back so you are not in its blind spot
Driving slightly behind a car on either side may put you in its blind spot. Either speed up or drop back.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Kentucky State Police) (none printed), page 61
4.In a thick fog you can see only about 100 feet ahead. What is the fastest you can safely drive?
- A35 mph
- B15 mph
- C25 mph
- DThe posted limit
Show the answer
✓ C. 25 mph
When heavy rain, snow or fog keeps you from seeing more than 100 feet ahead, you cannot safely drive faster than 25 mph. Use low beams.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Kentucky State Police) (none printed), page 58