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. Your total stopping distance is made up of which two parts?

   Correct answer: Reaction distance plus braking distance

   Total stopping distance equals the distance you travel while reacting plus the distance the vehicle travels after you brake.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 8 - Safe Driving Tips for Everyday Driving

2. 2. To keep a safe space cushion on multi-lane roads, what should you avoid?

   Correct answer: Driving alongside other vehicles for long stretches

   Avoid driving next to other vehicles where someone could crowd or drift into your lane; move ahead or drop back to keep space.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 8 - Safe Driving Tips for Everyday Driving

3. 3. Another vehicle begins to pass you on a two-lane road. What should you do?

   Correct answer: Stay in your lane and keep your speed steady

   When being passed, hold your lane and do not increase speed; let the other driver complete the pass safely.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 6 - Highway Driving

4. 4. What is the maximum speed limit on Missouri's lettered roads?

   Correct answer: 55 mph

   Lettered roads have a maximum speed limit of 55 mph.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7 - Pavement Markings, Traffic Signs, and Signals

5. 5. Unless a different limit is posted, what is the speed limit within a Missouri city, town, or village?

   Correct answer: 25 mph

   The speed limit in any city, town, or village is 25 mph unless signs post something different.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7 - Pavement Markings, Traffic Signs, and Signals

6. 6. On interstates, freeways, or expressways located within urbanized areas, what is the maximum speed limit?

   Correct answer: 60 mph

   Interstates, freeways, and expressways inside urbanized areas carry a maximum limit of 60 mph.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7 - Pavement Markings, Traffic Signs, and Signals

7. 7. What is the maximum speed limit on rural interstate highways in Missouri?

   Correct answer: 70 mph

   Rural interstates and freeways carry a maximum limit of 70 mph, though lower limits may be posted in urban areas.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7 - Pavement Markings, Traffic Signs, and Signals

8. 8. If a line of vehicles forms behind you because you are driving slowly, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Pull over when it is safe and let them pass

   Driving too slowly can be as dangerous as speeding; when traffic backs up behind you, pull over safely and let it pass.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 8 - Safe Driving Tips for Everyday Driving

9. 9. The maximum speed limit on a rural expressway in Missouri is what?

   Correct answer: 65 mph

   Rural expressways have a maximum speed limit of 65 mph.

   Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7 - Pavement Markings, Traffic Signs, and Signals

10. 10. When driving on snow or ice, about how much following distance should you keep behind the vehicle ahead?

    Correct answer: About eight to ten seconds

    Because stopping takes much longer on snow or ice, leave roughly eight to ten seconds of space ahead of you.

    Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 9 - Safe Driving Tips for Special Driving Conditions

11. 11. Under normal conditions, what is the slowest you may legally drive on a Missouri interstate?

    Correct answer: 40 mph

    You may not drive slower than 40 mph on an interstate under normal road conditions; if that is too fast for you, use another route.

    Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7 - Pavement Markings, Traffic Signs, and Signals

12. 12. A posted speed limit represents what?

    Correct answer: The maximum allowed under ideal conditions, which you must reduce when needed

    The posted limit is the maximum for ideal conditions; law requires you to slow down for rain, curves, traffic, or poor visibility.

    Source: Missouri Driver Guide, Chapter 7 - Pavement Markings, Traffic Signs, and Signals