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. You are traveling between 35 and 45 mph. Virginia's recommended following gap is:

   Correct answer: Three seconds

   Use a three-second gap in the 35-to-45 mph range, stepping up to four seconds from 46 to 70 mph.

   Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Following Distance

2. 2. Regardless of the posted limit, driving faster than what speed can bring a reckless-driving charge in Virginia?

   Correct answer: 85 mph

   Going over 85 mph is reckless driving no matter the posted limit, as is exceeding the limit by 20 mph or more.

   Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Speed Limits

3. 3. Beyond what speed does the two-, three-, and four-second following rule stop protecting you?

   Correct answer: 70 mph

   The following-distance rule works up to about 70 mph; the built-in space cushions do not hold up if you are speeding above 70.

   Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Following Distance

4. 4. You should increase your following distance in all of the following situations except:

   Correct answer: Driving on a clear, dry, empty road

   Give yourself more room behind big vehicles, during bad weather, in heavy traffic, while leaving an expressway, behind a motorcycle or bicycle, and when tailgated. An open, dry road is not a reason to add extra space.

   Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Following Distance

5. 5. The first thing you should do when visibility drops or the road becomes slippery is to:

   Correct answer: Slow down

   Reducing your speed is the first response to poor visibility or dangerous surfaces. Also double your normal following distance and turn on your headlights.

   Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Hazardous Conditions

6. 6. In bad weather or dangerous road conditions, you should increase your normal following distance by:

   Correct answer: About doubling it

   In hazardous conditions, roughly double your usual following distance to give yourself a bigger space cushion.

   Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Hazardous Conditions

7. 7. You may legally drive slower than the posted speed limit as long as you:

   Correct answer: Do not block the normal flow of traffic

   Driving under the limit is allowed provided you do not impede the normal flow of traffic. Keep right if you are slower than surrounding vehicles.

   Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Speed Limits

8. 8. Maintaining a space cushion around your vehicle mainly gives you:

   Correct answer: Room to react and avoid a crash

   Open space around your car gives you room and time to react to emergencies and avoid a crash. Keep to the middle of your lane to preserve it.

   Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Maintaining a Space Cushion

9. 9. On unpaved roads in Virginia, unless a sign says otherwise, the default speed limit is:

   Correct answer: 35 mph

   Unpaved roads default to 35 mph, compared with 25 mph in school, business, and residential areas and 55 mph on most other roads.

   Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Speed Limits

10. 10. Even if you are driving at or below the posted limit, you can still be ticketed for:

    Correct answer: Driving too fast for the conditions

    During rain, snow, or ice you can be cited for driving too fast for conditions, because the posted limit assumes good weather.

    Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Speed Limits

11. 11. A posted speed limit represents the maximum legal speed:

    Correct answer: Under ideal driving conditions

    The limit is the top legal speed under ideal conditions. You may go slower without blocking traffic, and bad weather may require you to drive well below it.

    Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Speed Limits

12. 12. When following a large vehicle that blocks your view of the road ahead, you should:

    Correct answer: Increase your following distance

    Leave more following room when a big vehicle ahead hides your view of the road, and also in bad weather, heavy traffic, or when someone tailgates you.

    Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Following Distance