Pennsylvania permit test: space cushion and speed
Managing space ahead, to the sides and behind, blind spots, backing, and managing speed and posted limits. 18 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key space cushion and speed rulesShow the rules
- A 4-second following distance lets you steer or brake to avoid a hazard safely on dry pavement. (p. 39, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
- Driving too fast for conditions tops the list of reasons new Pennsylvania drivers crash, ahead of tailgating and speeding. (p. 39, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
- Count the seconds from when the car ahead passes an object until you reach it; under four seconds means you are following too closely. (p. 40, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
- Wet, slippery or unpaved roads give less traction, so it takes longer to stop; allow a longer following distance. (p. 40, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
- School buses, taxis, other buses and hazardous-material trucks make unexpected stops, including required stops at railroad crossings, so leave extra room. (p. 40, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
- The left-rear and right-rear areas are blind spots; always check them by turning your head before changing lanes. (p. 41, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
- You should identify problems 12 to 15 seconds ahead, about one block in the city or a quarter mile at highway speeds. (p. 41, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
- On roads with three or more lanes, check all lanes before changing lanes; a driver in another lane may be moving into the same spot. (p. 42, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
- Check blind spots quickly; do not take your eyes off the road ahead for more than a second. (p. 42, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
- If buildings, shrubs or parked vehicles block your view, move forward slowly until you can see clearly, and never assume others will stop. (p. 42, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample space cushion and speed questions
1.It has been raining and the road is wet. How should you change your following distance?
- AFollow the car ahead's tire tracks closely
- BMake it longer than usual
- CShorten it to stay with traffic
- DKeep it the same
Show the answer
✓ B. Make it longer than usual
Wet, slippery or unpaved roads give less traction, so it takes longer to stop; allow a longer following distance.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 40
2.On a dry highway, what following distance does the handbook recommend?
- A2 seconds
- B4 seconds
- C3 seconds
- D1 car length per 10 mph
Show the answer
✓ B. 4 seconds
A 4-second following distance lets you steer or brake to avoid a hazard safely on dry pavement.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 39
3.A driver is tailgating you on a two-lane road with no right lane to move into. What does the handbook suggest?
- AWhen clear ahead, tap brakes gently
- BBrake hard right away to warn them
- CSpeed up to get away from them
- DStop in your lane until they pass
Show the answer
✓ A. When clear ahead, tap brakes gently
If you can't move right, wait until the road ahead is clear, then tap your brakes gently to slowly reduce speed and encourage the tailgater to pass.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 41
4.While checking your blind spot before a lane change, how long may you take your eyes off the road ahead?
- AUp to 3 seconds
- BAs long as needed
- CNo more than about a second
- DUp to 5 seconds
Show the answer
✓ C. No more than about a second
Check blind spots quickly; do not take your eyes off the road ahead for more than a second.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 42