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Utah permit test: speed and following distance

Speed limits and when to slow down, freeway following distance and night speed. 18 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key speed and following distance rulesShow the rules
  1. Using an entrance ramp to exit the freeway is illegal, even in a traffic jam. (p. 49)
  2. Keep at least two seconds of following distance on the freeway, and more in bad conditions. (p. 49)
  3. On flex lanes, a green arrow means you can use the lane and a red X means you cannot. (p. 49)
  4. The area outside the solid white line is for emergencies only; passing or picking up passengers there is illegal. (p. 49)
  5. A vehicle in the left lane must move safely to the right when approached from behind; you can be cited for impeding. (p. 49)
  6. Unless posted otherwise, the limit in any business or residential area is 25 mph. (p. 54)
  7. The basic speed law says you may never drive faster than is reasonable and prudent for the conditions. (p. 54)
  8. On an icy road, even 10 mph may be too fast; slow down to whatever speed keeps you in control. (p. 55)
  9. The law requires you to slow down when approaching any authorized vehicle flashing red, red and white, or red and blue lights. (p. 55)
  10. Your car may start to hydroplane at speeds over 35 mph, when the front tires ride on water instead of the road. (p. 71)

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

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Sample speed and following distance questions

  1. 1.You turn onto a gravel road. What should you do with your speed and following distance?

    • AFollow closer to see the road
    • BSpeed up to avoid getting stuck
    • CKeep the same speed and distance
    • DSlow down and increase following distance
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. Slow down and increase following distance

    Gravel and dirt roads give less traction, so slow down and increase your following distance.

    Source: Utah Driver Handbook (AAMVA Model Non-Commercial) 2026 (2026), page 71

  2. 2.Traffic is stopped on the freeway. May you drive in the emergency lane outside the solid white line to pass?

    • ANo, that is illegal
    • BYes, during rush hour only
    • CYes, if you drive slowly
    • DOnly to pick up a passenger
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. No, that is illegal

    The area outside the solid white line is for emergencies only; passing or picking up passengers there is illegal.

    Source: Utah Driver Handbook (AAMVA Model Non-Commercial) 2026 (2026), page 49

  3. 3.It is night and the speed limit is 55 mph. What does the handbook say about driving 55 mph?

    • AYou must drive exactly 55 mph
    • BIt is always safe at the limit
    • CIt may be too fast at night
    • DYou must slow to 45 mph
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. It may be too fast at night

    You must drive at a reasonable and prudent speed; at night, driving the posted limit may be too fast.

    Source: Utah Driver Handbook (AAMVA Model Non-Commercial) 2026 (2026), page 71

  4. 4.You are driving at night. How should you change your following distance?

    • ACut it in half
    • BKeep the daytime distance
    • CAdd 1 car length
    • DAdd at least 2 seconds
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. Add at least 2 seconds

    At night, increase your following distance by at least two seconds.

    Source: Utah Driver Handbook (AAMVA Model Non-Commercial) 2026 (2026), page 71