Four-second following distance
A free practice question for the South Carolina permit test, with the answer explained.
Independent practice site. We're not the DMV and aren't connected to any government agency.
What is the minimum following distance behind the car ahead?
The rule
Keep a following distance of at least 4 seconds behind the vehicle ahead. Count from when it passes a fixed point; if you reach the point before 'one thousand four', you are too close.
Keep at least four seconds behind the vehicle ahead. After it passes a fixed point, count 'one thousand one' up to four.
From the SCDMV Driver's License Manual, page 8-6. 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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