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Louisiana permit test: speed, stopping and following distance

Scanning ahead, stopping and following distances, speed limits and space management. 21 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key speed, stopping and following distance rulesShow the rules
  1. Looking 20 to 30 seconds ahead gives you time to prepare and helps keep the car on a steady path. (p. 66, Class D & E Driver's Guide (DPSMV2052) (opens the handbook))
  2. At 60 mph it takes about 4 to 5 seconds or 359 feet to react and stop. (p. 67, Class D & E Driver's Guide (DPSMV2052) (opens the handbook))
  3. At 60 mph you need to see at least 400 feet ahead. (p. 67, Class D & E Driver's Guide (DPSMV2052) (opens the handbook))
  4. Identify a 4 to 5 second gap in traffic, signal, look again, then steer into the lane. (p. 68, Class D & E Driver's Guide (DPSMV2052) (opens the handbook))
  5. The average driver takes ¾ second to 1 second to react. (p. 69, Class D & E Driver's Guide (DPSMV2052) (opens the handbook))
  6. When the car ahead passes a fixed object, count three seconds. (p. 70, Class D & E Driver's Guide (DPSMV2052) (opens the handbook))
  7. You must not drive faster than is reasonable. (p. 92, Class D & E Driver's Guide (DPSMV2052) (opens the handbook))
  8. Reduced speed limits are required near schools and playgrounds when children are present, and in residential or business areas. (p. 92, Class D & E Driver's Guide (DPSMV2052) (opens the handbook))
  9. On the interstate keep at least four seconds behind the vehicle ahead, and double that when the weather is bad or the pavement is slick. (p. 106, Class D & E Driver's Guide (DPSMV2052) (opens the handbook))
  10. Merging needs a four-second gap, which gives both you and the car behind a two-second following distance. (p. 106, Class D & E Driver's Guide (DPSMV2052) (opens the handbook))

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

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Sample speed, stopping and following distance questions

  1. 1.Before changing lanes, how large a gap in traffic should you look for?

    • AHalf a second
    • B4 to 5 seconds
    • C10 seconds
    • D1 to 2 seconds
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. 4 to 5 seconds

    Identify a 4 to 5 second gap in traffic, signal, look again, then steer into the lane.

    Source: Class D & E Driver's Guide (DPSMV2052) (DPSMV2052), page 68

  2. 2.A traffic light ahead has been green for a long time. What should you do as you approach?

    • ASpeed up to make it through
    • BSlow down and be ready to stop
    • CChange lanes to get ahead
    • DKeep the same speed and hope
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. Slow down and be ready to stop

    A light that has been green for a long time may change to red before you reach it, so start slowing and be ready to stop.

    Source: Class D & E Driver's Guide (DPSMV2052) (DPSMV2052), page 66

  3. 3.When you merge into interstate traffic, how large a gap do you need?

    • A4 seconds
    • B2 seconds
    • C1 second
    • D6 seconds
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. 4 seconds

    Merging needs a four-second gap, which gives both you and the car behind a two-second following distance.

    Source: Class D & E Driver's Guide (DPSMV2052) (DPSMV2052), page 106

  4. 4.You are stopped and your view of a cross street is blocked. What should you do?

    • AHonk and then go
    • BGo quickly before anyone comes
    • CBack up and find another route
    • DEdge forward slowly until you can see
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. Edge forward slowly until you can see

    Edge forward slowly until you can see. Crossing drivers can see the front of your car before you see them.

    Source: Class D & E Driver's Guide (DPSMV2052) (DPSMV2052), page 67