Mississippi permit test: speed limits, following and braking
Legal speeds and limits, signals and arm signals, following distance and braking. 18 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key speed limits, following and braking rulesShow the rules
- A school bus carrying children on its regular route may go no faster than 45 mph; 65 mph applies only on the interstate. (p. 41, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024) (opens the handbook))
- The usual maximum speed for passenger cars on Mississippi interstates is 70 mph, unless signs post a different limit. (p. 41, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Interstates and four-lane highways usually have a minimum speed of 40 mph, so driving too slowly can also be a problem. (p. 41, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024) (opens the handbook))
- The Natchez Trace Parkway has a lower maximum of 50 mph. (p. 41, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024) (opens the handbook))
- An arm bent upward at the elbow signals a right turn (or a move to the right lane). (p. 42, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024) (opens the handbook))
- When using arm signals, extend your arm fully and signal continuously for at least 100 feet before you act. (p. 42, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Point your arm toward the ground with your palm turned back toward traffic behind you to show you are slowing or stopping. (p. 42, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Following too closely is dangerous and is the main cause of rear-end collisions. (p. 43, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024) (opens the handbook))
- At 30 mph the rule is at least three car lengths, and behind a large truck or bus you should allow even more room. (p. 43, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Allow at least one car length for every 10 mph of speed, so at 40 mph leave at least four car lengths. (p. 43, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample speed limits, following and braking questions
1.What is the main cause of rear-end collisions?
- ABroken turn signals
- BBright headlights
- CSlow drivers in the left lane
- DFollowing too closely
Show the answer
✓ D. Following too closely
Following too closely is dangerous and is the main cause of rear-end collisions.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 43
2.You are following a large truck at 30 mph. How much space should you leave?
- AExactly 3 car lengths
- BMore than 3 car lengths
- CHalf a car length
- DExactly 1 car length
Show the answer
✓ B. More than 3 car lengths
At 30 mph the rule is at least three car lengths, and behind a large truck or bus you should allow even more room.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 43
3.What is the usual maximum speed on a two-lane state or U.S. highway?
- A50 mph
- B65 mph
- C45 mph
- D55 mph
Show the answer
✓ D. 55 mph
Two-lane state and U.S. highways usually have a 55 mph maximum for passenger cars.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 41
4.You are following a car at 40 mph. At least how much space should you leave?
- A4 car lengths
- B2 car lengths
- C3 car lengths
- D6 car lengths
Show the answer
✓ A. 4 car lengths
Allow at least one car length for every 10 mph of speed, so at 40 mph leave at least four car lengths.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 43