California Car / Permit practice question · Speed & Space Management
You should increase your following distance when:
Answer choices
- The road is wet or your view is blocked— Correct answer
- You are in a hurry
- The car ahead is small
- Traffic is light and fast
Why this is the answer
Increase your following distance on slippery roads such as wet pavement, and in fog. Tailgating also blocks your view of the road ahead, so leave more room behind vehicles that hide what is in front of them. Being in a hurry or following a small car is no reason for more space, and neither is a reason to follow closer.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Following Distance
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
More Speed & Space Management questions
- When you plan to exit a freeway, you should signal and move into the proper lane approximately how long before the exit?
- If another driver is following you too closely (tailgating), the safest response is to:
- When you merge onto a freeway, you should:
- As your speed increases, the distance needed to stop your vehicle:
- To keep a cushion of space around your vehicle in traffic, you should: