Illinois Driving Permit Practice Test

What is the proper following distance behind the vehicle in front of you?

1. At least 1 second

2. At least 2 seconds

3. At least 3 seconds under normal conditions

4. At least 4 seconds

The correct answer is: At least 3 seconds under normal conditions

The proper following distance behind the vehicle in front of you is at least 3 seconds under normal conditions. This guideline is important for ensuring a safe stopping distance in case the vehicle ahead suddenly slows down or stops. The 3-second rule allows you to maintain adequate space to react to unexpected situations, which is vital for preventing rear-end collisions. To measure this distance effectively, you can choose a fixed point on the road, such as a sign or a tree. Once the car in front of you passes that point, you should be able to count at least three seconds before your vehicle reaches the same point. This practice helps contribute to safer driving by providing sufficient time and distance to respond appropriately to changes in traffic conditions. In different driving scenarios, especially during adverse weather or heavy traffic, it may be advisable to increase the following distance even further to allow for longer stopping distances, thus promoting greater safety on the road.