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 should leave additional following distance when you are behind:

   Correct answer: A large truck, bus, or motorcycle

   Allow extra space when following trucks, buses, vans, large vehicles, motorcycles, or bicycles.

   Source: Section 3: The Basics — F. Space Between Vehicles (Space in front)

2. 2. On a freeway on-ramp, the acceleration lane is where you:

   Correct answer: Speed up to blend with the traffic flow

   In the acceleration lane you speed up to match traffic so you can merge into the flow smoothly.

   Source: Section 3: The Basics — B. Understanding Vehicle Speed (Adjust to traffic)

3. 3. May you legally exceed the posted speed limit in order to pass another vehicle?

   Correct answer: No, never exceed the limit to pass

   You cannot drive over the posted speed limit to pass, even on a clear road.

   Source: Section 3: The Basics — H. Passing

4. 4. The usual speed limit in a school zone when children are present is:

   Correct answer: 15 mph

   The normal school-zone limit when children are present is 15 mph.

   Source: Section 3: The Basics — B. Understanding Vehicle Speed

5. 5. In the outlying parts of a city or village where no limit is posted, the maximum speed limit is:

   Correct answer: 35 mph

   Where no limit is posted in the outlying areas of cities and villages, the maximum speed is 35 mph.

   Source: Section 3: The Basics — B. Understanding Vehicle Speed

6. 6. Unless a different limit is posted, the speed limit in a residential area is:

   Correct answer: 25 mph

   The residential speed limit is 25 mph unless signs show otherwise.

   Source: Section 3: The Basics — B. Understanding Vehicle Speed

7. 7. Driving much slower than surrounding traffic can be dangerous because it:

   Correct answer: Causes traffic to bunch up and may cause a crash

   Going too slowly can cause vehicles to back up behind you and lead to a crash, and you could be ticketed for it.

   Source: Section 3: The Basics — B. Understanding Vehicle Speed

8. 8. Before you cross a multi-lane road, you should make sure there is:

   Correct answer: Enough room to reach the far side completely

   When crossing traffic on a multi-lane road, be sure there is enough room to get all the way across before you go.

   Source: Section 3: The Basics — F. Space Between Vehicles (Space to cross)

9. 9. How often should you glance in your rearview mirror to check whether someone is following too closely?

   Correct answer: Every 6 to 8 seconds

   Check your rearview mirror every 6 to 8 seconds to see if a driver behind you is tailgating.

   Source: Section 3: The Basics — F. Space Between Vehicles (Space behind)

10. 10. When you merge onto a highway from an entrance ramp, you should try to enter traffic:

    Correct answer: At the same speed as the traffic already flowing

    Merge at about the same speed the traffic is already moving, and find a safe gap; avoid forcing other drivers to slow down or move over.

    Source: Section 3: The Basics — B. Understanding Vehicle Speed (Adjust to traffic)

11. 11. The posted speed limit should be understood as:

    Correct answer: The maximum for good conditions, not a target for bad ones

    The posted number is the maximum allowed in good conditions; you may need to drive slower when visibility or the road surface is poor.

    Source: Section 3: The Basics — B. Understanding Vehicle Speed

12. 12. If you are driving slower than most of the traffic on a multi-lane road, you should stay in:

    Correct answer: The far-right lane

    Drivers moving slower than most traffic should use the far-right lane of a multi-lane road.

    Source: Section 3: The Basics — B. Understanding Vehicle Speed