Four seconds behind a motorcycle, ten behind heavy equipment
A free practice question for the Massachusetts permit test, with the answer explained.
Independent practice site. We're not the RMV and aren't connected to any government agency.
How much following distance should you leave behind a motorcycle?
The rule
Leave at least four seconds behind a motorcycle and at least ten seconds behind heavy equipment such as dump trucks and tractors. Three seconds is the minimum for other vehicles in good conditions.
Keep at least four seconds behind a motorcycle, compared with three seconds for other vehicles.
From the Massachusetts Driver's Manual, page 43. This question is our own wording of that rule. The handbook and the RMV have the final word.
Often mixed up with
People confuse these rules with this one. Each has its own practice question.
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