Speed & Space Management

Study questions with answers

11 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. Under good conditions on ordinary highways, how much following distance behind the vehicle ahead does the manual recommend?

   Correct answer: At least two seconds

   The two-second rule provides a basic safe following distance under normal conditions.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — The Two-Second Rule

2. 2. Exceeding the posted speed limit in a Tennessee school zone while children are present is treated by law as:

   Correct answer: Reckless driving

   Speeding in a school zone is considered reckless driving and adds an automatic six points to your record.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Speeding in School Zones

3. 3. In the more congested urban areas of Tennessee interstates, the speed limit is typically lowered to:

   Correct answer: 55 mph

   Urban or metropolitan sections of the interstate often carry a limit of about 55 mph because of heavier traffic.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Urban Interstate Limits

4. 4. At about 55 mph, roughly how large a gap in oncoming traffic do you need to pass a single vehicle safely?

   Correct answer: About ten seconds

   The manual notes it takes about ten seconds to complete a pass at 55 mph, so you need a ten-second gap and sight distance.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Start Pass Defensively

5. 5. The Basic Speed Rule teaches that the speed you may safely drive is:

   Correct answer: Limited by the current driving conditions

   The Basic Speed Rule holds that your safe speed is limited by current conditions such as traffic, weather, and road surface, even if you are under the posted limit.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — The Basic Speed Rule

6. 6. Under normal conditions, the minimum speed for vehicles in the right lane(s) of a Tennessee interstate is:

   Correct answer: 45 mph

   The right-lane minimum on the interstate is 45 mph; drivers who cannot maintain it should use another road.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Interstate Speed Limits

7. 7. The most common reason drivers cannot see road and traffic conditions well is that they:

   Correct answer: Follow the vehicle ahead too closely

   Following too closely, or tailgating, blocks a driver's view of the road ahead and is a leading cause of rear-end crashes.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Following Distances

8. 8. During bad weather, high-speed rural interstate driving, or at night, the following distance should be increased to a minimum of:

   Correct answer: Four seconds

   The two-second cushion should grow to at least four seconds in poor visibility, at higher speeds, at night, or when following a motorcycle.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — The Two-Second Rule

9. 9. Speeding in an active highway work zone in Tennessee carries a fine of at least:

   Correct answer: $250

   State law sets a minimum fine of $250 and a maximum of $500 for speed-limit violations in posted, active work zones.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Speeding in Highway Work Zones

10. 10. The three parts that make up total stopping distance are perception time, braking time, and:

    Correct answer: Reaction time

    Stopping a vehicle involves perception time, reaction time, and braking time.

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Stopping Distances

11. 11. On a multi-lane interstate, the far-left lane should be reserved primarily for:

    Correct answer: Passing slower traffic

    The left lane is for passing; slower traffic should keep to the right and move over to let faster vehicles by.

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Driving on the Interstate