Speed & Space Management

Study questions with answers

12 sample Speed & Space Management questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. What are the three basic elements of space management while driving?

   Correct answer: Speed control, lane position, and communication

   Managing your road space rests on three tools: speed control, lane position, and communication.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 7 - Space Management

2. 2. If you miss your intended exit on the interstate, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Continue to the next exit and turn around

   You must not stop or back up; continue to the next exit, then get back on and return to the exit you wanted.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 7 - Exiting

3. 3. When two or more vehicles travel in the same direction, when may you pass on the right?

   Correct answer: When there are two or more same-direction lanes

   You may pass on the right when there are two or more lanes of traffic moving the same direction, but never by driving onto the shoulder.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Passing on the Right

4. 4. If you are hydroplaning and lose traction, what is the correct response?

   Correct answer: Ease off the gas and avoid using the brakes

   You should stay calm, keep looking and steering where you want to go, and ease off the gas while avoiding the brakes so the tires can regain contact.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Hydroplaning

5. 5. Which type of crash is the most frequent on interstate highways?

   Correct answer: Rear-end collisions

   Rear-end collisions are the most frequent interstate crashes, usually caused by following too closely.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 7 - Right-Hand Lane

6. 6. What is the maximum speed limit on a Louisiana interstate highway unless a sign says otherwise?

   Correct answer: 70 mph

   The maximum allowed on the interstate is 70 mph unless a different limit is posted.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 7 - Entering

7. 7. Where should you slow down when leaving the interstate, rather than on the highway itself?

   Correct answer: Once you are fully in the deceleration lane

   You should wait until you are fully in the deceleration lane, then reduce to the posted ramp speed; never slow down on the interstate itself.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 7 - Exiting

8. 8. When merging onto an interstate, how large a gap in traffic should you aim for?

   Correct answer: A gap of four seconds

   You need a gap of about four seconds when merging, which leaves both you and the vehicle behind a two-second following distance.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 7 - Space to Merge

9. 9. You are being tailgated by a driver behind you. What is the recommended way to handle it?

   Correct answer: Slow down and encourage the driver to pass

   Slow down and encourage the tailgater to pass; if that fails, pull over, stop, and let them go by.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 7 - Keeping a Space Cushion

10. 10. Before passing another vehicle on a two-lane road, how much clear distance ahead should you be able to see?

    Correct answer: At least a quarter mile

    You should not attempt to pass unless you can see at least a quarter mile ahead of you.

    Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 6 - Lane Changing

11. 11. When must you finish passing another vehicle before reaching a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction?

    Correct answer: Before coming within 100 feet of it

    You must complete the pass before coming within 100 feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.

    Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Passing on the Left

12. 12. On a multi-lane interstate, which lane is intended primarily for passing slower vehicles?

    Correct answer: The far left lane

    The far left lane is used for passing, while the right lane serves entering and exiting and the middle is a travel lane.

    Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 7 - Right-Hand Lane