Virginia permit test: speed, stopping and following distance
Speed limits, stopping distance, antilock brakes and following distance. 15 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key speed, stopping and following distance rulesShow the rules
- Driving over 85 mph can bring a reckless driving charge regardless of the posted limit. (p. 16, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
- Braking distance depends on speed, brakes, tires and pavement; wet pavement can double your braking distance. (p. 17, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
- Stopping distance depends on perception time (recognizing a hazard), reaction distance (traveled before you brake) and braking distance (traveled after you brake). (p. 17, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
- The default maximum on unpaved roads is 35 mph unless a sign says otherwise. (p. 17, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
- Increase following distance behind a motorcycle or bicycle, behind large vehicles, in bad weather or heavy traffic, when exiting an expressway and when tailgated. (p. 21, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
- Expert drivers focus 20 to 30 seconds ahead, about one block in the city, so they spot risks early. (p. 21, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
- Check the traffic behind you in your rearview mirror frequently, about every 10 seconds. (p. 21, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
- Watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed object, then count the seconds until you reach the same spot. (p. 21, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
- At 46–70 mph on dry surfaces, keep a 4-second following distance; add more time in bad conditions. (p. 21, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
- On dry roads, keep 2 seconds under 35 mph, 3 seconds at 35–45 mph and 4 seconds at 46–70 mph. (p. 21, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample speed, stopping and following distance questions
1.You are driving 40 mph on a dry road. What following distance does the manual recommend?
- A3 seconds
- B1 second
- C2 seconds
- D4 seconds
Show the answer
✓ A. 3 seconds
On dry roads, keep 2 seconds under 35 mph, 3 seconds at 35–45 mph and 4 seconds at 46–70 mph.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39) (No edition date printed in text), page 21
2.No speed limit sign is posted in a residential area. What is the maximum speed for a car?
- A45 mph
- B25 mph
- C55 mph
- D35 mph
Show the answer
✓ B. 25 mph
Unless a sign says otherwise, the limit is 25 mph in school, business and residential areas, 35 mph on unpaved roads and 55 mph on all other roads.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39) (No edition date printed in text), page 17
3.Is it legal to use a radar detector while driving in Virginia?
- AYes, on all roads
- BNo, it is illegal
- COnly for commercial drivers
- DOnly on interstates
Show the answer
✓ B. No, it is illegal
It is illegal to use radar detectors in Virginia.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39) (No edition date printed in text), page 16
4.A driver is tailgating you. What should you do?
- ASpeed up to get away
- BBrake suddenly to warn them
- CMove over or tap your brakes and slow down
- DIgnore them and hold your speed
Show the answer
✓ C. Move over or tap your brakes and slow down
Don't brake suddenly. If possible, move to another lane, or gently tap your brakes to flash the brake lights and slow down to encourage the tailgater to pass.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39) (No edition date printed in text), page 21