Missouri permit test: speed and following distance
Controlling speed, defensive driving, the three-second rule, space around you and stopping distance. 16 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key speed and following distance rulesShow the rules
- Avoid driving on either side and slightly behind another vehicle, where you are in its blind spot. (p. 39)
- On a highway with one lane in each direction, drive in the right-hand lane. (p. 39)
- The speed limit is the maximum allowable speed in ideal conditions. (p. 52)
- Put your left hand between the seven and nine o'clock positions and your right hand between three and five o'clock. (p. 58)
- Pick an object ahead and count three seconds after the car in front passes it. (p. 59)
- The chart uses a reaction time of 1.5 seconds, the time from seeing a danger to applying the brakes. (p. 60)
- Stopping distance equals reaction distance (how far you travel before braking) plus braking distance (how far you travel after braking). (p. 60)
- Signal as early as you can, at least 100 feet before you move. (p. 60)
- Deer seldom travel alone, so if you see one, expect others nearby. (p. 61)
- Do not leave the motor running in a garage or while parked with windows closed, and do not drive with a defective exhaust. (p. 61)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample speed and following distance questions
1.The Missouri stopping-distance chart assumes how long it takes a driver to react to a danger?
- A0.5 seconds
- B1.5 seconds
- C5 seconds
- D3 seconds
Show the answer
✓ B. 1.5 seconds
The chart uses a reaction time of 1.5 seconds, the time from seeing a danger to applying the brakes.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 60
2.While you are driving, why should you never turn the ignition key to the lock position?
- AIt turns the hazards on
- BThe steering can lock
- CIt turns off the radio
- DIt drains the battery
Show the answer
✓ B. The steering can lock
Turning the key to lock while moving can lock the steering wheel when you try to turn it, and you will lose control.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 59
3.A single deer runs across the road in front of you. What should you expect next?
- AIt is always traveling alone
- BIt will stop and wait for you
- CMore deer may follow it
- DDeer only cross roads at noon
Show the answer
✓ C. More deer may follow it
Deer seldom travel alone, so if you see one, expect others nearby.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 61
4.You want to protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning. What should you do?
- ADrive with a broken muffler in winter
- BRun the heater, windows up, when parked
- CDon't run the motor in a garage
- DKeep vents open when following close
Show the answer
✓ C. Don't run the motor in a garage
Do not leave the motor running in a garage or while parked with windows closed, and do not drive with a defective exhaust.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 61