Three-second following distance
A free practice question for the California permit test, with the answer explained.
Independent practice site. We're not the DMV and aren't connected to any government agency.
How far back from the car ahead should you stay?
The rule
Stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead: when it passes a fixed point, you should not reach that point before you count to three.
Use the three-second rule. It gives you time to react if the driver ahead brakes suddenly or makes a mistake.
From the California Driver Handbook, section 8, page 57. This question is our own wording of that rule. The handbook and the DMV have the final word.
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