Maine permit test: speed and following distance
Managing speed, road conditions, blind intersections, slow traffic, stopping distance, speed limits and keeping a space cushion. 18 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key speed and following distance rulesShow the rules
- Always slow before entering a curve. (p. 80, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- On a wet road, slow down 5 to 10 mph. (p. 80, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- On ice, slow to a crawl. (p. 80, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Unless posted otherwise, the limit is 25 mph in business, residential or built-up areas. (p. 81, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Hydroplaning happens when tires ride up on water. (p. 81, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Headlights let you see clearly only about 250 feet ahead, so never drive faster than you can stop within that distance. (p. 82, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Maine law says you must not drive so slowly that you interfere with normal traffic, except when a lower speed is needed for safety. (p. 82, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- A red-edged orange triangle marks a slow-moving vehicle, such as a farm tractor, that usually goes 25 mph or less. (p. 84, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Keep at least 4 seconds between your car and the vehicle ahead, and more in bad conditions. (p. 85, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Take dangers one at a time. (p. 88, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (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.When is pavement often most slippery during a rainstorm?
- ADuring the first few minutes of rain
- BOnly when rain turns to snow
- COnly after dark
- DAfter an hour of steady rain
Show the answer
✓ A. During the first few minutes of rain
When rain starts, oil on the pavement rises and mixes with water. The road is very slippery for the first few minutes until the oil washes away.
2.This sign is on the back of a vehicle ahead of you. What does it tell you?
- AIt is about to turn right
- BIt is an emergency vehicle
- CIt usually goes 25 mph or less
- DIt carries hazardous material
Show the answer
✓ C. It usually goes 25 mph or less
A red-edged orange triangle marks a slow-moving vehicle, such as a farm tractor, that usually goes 25 mph or less. Adjust your speed early.
3.An oncoming car and a bicyclist on your right will reach the same spot as you at the same time. What should you do?
- ALet the car pass first, then pass the bike
- BSqueeze between the car and the bike
- CSpeed up to pass the cyclist first
- DHonk and drive between them
Show the answer
✓ A. Let the car pass first, then pass the bike
Take dangers one at a time. Slow down, let the oncoming car pass, then move left to give the cyclist plenty of room.
4.How does the fine for speeding in a school zone compare with the usual speeding fine?
- AIt is twice as much
- BIt is half as much
- CIt is the same
- DIt is three times as much
Show the answer
✓ A. It is twice as much
Exceeding the posted limit in a school zone brings a fine twice the usual amount.