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Three or four seconds in bad weather and behind trucks

A free practice question for the New York permit test, with the answer explained.

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Practice question · Speed and conditions

How many seconds should you stay behind the vehicle ahead in bad weather?

The rule

When the weather is bad, or when you follow a large truck, count at least three or four seconds behind the vehicle ahead instead of two.

When the weather is bad, or a large truck is ahead, leave more room: three or four seconds or more.

From the New York State Driver's Manual, page 47. This question is our own wording of that rule. The handbook and the DMV 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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