Nova Scotia Driving Test Practice: Ace your driving test

What is the minimum following distance you should maintain behind the vehicle in front of you?

1. 1 car length.

2. 2 seconds.

3. 3 seconds.

4. 4 car lengths.

The correct answer is: 2 seconds.

Maintaining a minimum following distance is crucial for safe driving, as it provides adequate time to react to sudden stops or emergencies that may arise. The recommended following distance of two seconds is based on the concept of time, which is more reliable than measuring distance in car lengths, especially since vehicle sizes can vary significantly. To apply the two-second rule, you can choose a fixed point on the side of the road, such as a sign or a tree. When the vehicle in front of you passes this point, start counting "one thousand one, one thousand two." If you reach the fixed point before you finish counting, you are following too closely and should increase your distance. This approach accounts for factors like speed and road conditions, emphasizing the importance of reaction time over mere distance. In contrast, other options like one car length or four car lengths might not ensure sufficient safety, especially at higher speeds. Three seconds might also be too short in certain conditions, where recognizing the need for more space is crucial for preventing collisions.