Indiana Car / Permit practice
Speed & Space Management
Choosing a safe speed, keeping a space cushion, adjusting for weather and traffic, and understanding stopping distance.
Questions reviewed against the official Indiana driver handbook · July 7, 2026
14 questions · pass with 11 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
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. Work-site speed limits in Indiana are set at least how much below the area's normal maximum speed?
Correct answer: 10 mph
Work-zone speed limits are always at least 10 mph below the area's normal maximum speed.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (Reduced Speed Limits in Highway Work Zones)
2. According to the manual, fuel consumption begins to climb steadily above what speed?
Correct answer: 45 mph
Fuel use rises steadily above 45 mph, with cars using far more fuel at higher speeds.
3. Unless posted otherwise, the speed limit on county roads in urban areas is what?
Correct answer: 55 mph
County roads in urban areas carry a 55 mph limit unless a different one is posted.
4. A good rule of thumb for following distance is to stay how far behind the vehicle ahead?
Correct answer: Two to three seconds
Leave yourself a cushion of two or three seconds from whatever is traveling in front of you.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (Braking and Following Distances)
5. About how far does an average passenger car traveling 55 mph need to stop?
Correct answer: 130 to 140 feet
A typical passenger car at 55 mph needs roughly 130 to 140 feet to come to a stop.
6. When not on an interstate or state highway, a school bus has a maximum speed of what unless the posted limit is lower?
Correct answer: 40 mph
Off interstates and state highways, a school bus may travel no faster than 40 mph unless a lower limit is posted.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (School Bus Speed Limits)
7. Unless otherwise posted, the maximum speed for a passenger vehicle on a rural interstate is what?
Correct answer: 70 mph
On a rural interstate, passenger vehicles may not exceed 70 mph or the posted limit.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (Rural Interstate Highway Speed Limits)
8. The speed limit on an urban interstate highway, unless otherwise posted, is what?
Correct answer: 55 mph
Vehicles on an urban interstate may not exceed 55 mph unless a different limit is posted.
9. In most urban residential areas, the speed limit is usually what unless posted otherwise?
Correct answer: 30 mph
Most urban residential areas carry a 30 mph limit unless a different one is posted.
10. The maximum speed permitted in an alley is generally what?
Correct answer: 15 mph
Vehicles may not exceed 15 mph in an alley.
11. On a rural interstate, trucks with a declared gross weight over 26,000 pounds may not exceed what speed?
Correct answer: 65 mph
Heavy trucks over 26,000 pounds are limited to 65 mph on a rural interstate.
Source: Indiana Driver's Manual, Ch. 7 (Rural Interstate Highway Speed Limits)
12. About how many feet does a loaded semi with hot brakes need to come to a full stop from 55 mph?
Correct answer: More than 400 feet
A loaded tractor-trailer with hot brakes can take more than 400 feet to stop at 55 mph.
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Every Indiana question is written from the official Indiana driver handbook and checked against its current edition. DMV Test Free is a free, independent study resource — not affiliated with any DMV or government agency. About DMV Test Free