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. To keep a safe gap behind the vehicle in front of you, you should follow:

   Correct answer: The two-second rule

   The two-second rule is the recommended way to keep enough space to react if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — The Two-Second Rule

2. 2. Hydroplaning can begin at speeds as low as:

   Correct answer: 30 mph

   A vehicle can begin to hydroplane at speeds around 30 mph in as little as one-eighth inch of water, and the risk grows the faster you go.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Hydroplaning

3. 3. The handbook suggests that on wet pavement you drive about how much slower than on dry roads?

   Correct answer: 5 to 10 mph slower

   Ease your speed down by about 5 to 10 mph on wet roads compared with dry ones.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Rain

4. 4. The faster you drive, the:

   Correct answer: Farther ahead you need to look

   As speed rises you must look farther ahead so you can see enough of the road to allow room to stop.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Adjusting Your Speed to Driving Conditions

5. 5. As your speed increases, the distance your vehicle needs to stop:

   Correct answer: Becomes longer

   Higher speeds mean a vehicle travels farther during reaction time and needs more braking distance, so stopping distance becomes longer.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Adjusting Your Speed to Driving Conditions

6. 6. Using cruise control on a wet road is:

   Correct answer: Not advised, because it can hinder control if you hydroplane

   Never use cruise control in the rain, because the delay in turning it off could make the difference between keeping and losing control if you hydroplane.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Hydroplaning

7. 7. Under ideal conditions, a vehicle traveling 55 mph needs roughly what distance to stop completely?

   Correct answer: About 211 feet

   Even in good conditions, a car going 55 mph requires about 211 feet to come to a full stop once you include reaction and braking distance.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Adjusting Your Speed to Driving Conditions

8. 8. Roads tend to be most slippery during which part of a rainfall?

   Correct answer: During the first 10 to 15 minutes

   The first 10 to 15 minutes are the most dangerous, because rain blends with road oil, dirt, and grime to make the surface especially slick.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Rain

9. 9. If you must drive slower than the other traffic around you, you should still:

   Correct answer: Observe any posted minimum speed limit

   Even when you drive below the flow of traffic, you must observe any posted minimum speed limit and avoid forcing others to take risks to pass.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Adjusting Your Speed to Driving Conditions

10. 10. On snow or ice, you should allow a stopping distance that is:

    Correct answer: At least three times the usual distance

    On snow or ice, give yourself a stopping distance roughly three times what you would need on dry pavement.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Snow and Ice

11. 11. Driving far below the posted speed limit is dangerous because a very slow vehicle:

    Correct answer: Is more likely to cause or be part of a crash

    Studies show a car going far below the posted limit is more apt to trigger or become caught up in a crash than one moving at a normal pace.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Adjusting Your Speed to Driving Conditions

12. 12. On wet pavement, you should increase your following distance to at least:

    Correct answer: At least twice the usual following distance

    Slow down and allow at least twice the normal following distance on slippery, wet pavement, because stopping distances grow considerably.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Rain