Space to pass — Delaware Permit Test

Delaware's manual says that at 55 mph you need about 10 seconds to pass, so you need a 10-second gap in oncoming traffic and sight distance.

A driver who pulls out with a shorter gap is still beside the other car when the oncoming one arrives.

At a speed of 55 mph, you need about 10 seconds to pass.

Delaware's manual says that at 55 mph you and an oncoming vehicle each travel over 800 feet in 10 seconds, so you need over 1600 feet, about one-third of a mile, to pass safely.

Oncoming cars seem to be standing still far away, so drivers badly underestimate how much road a pass takes.

That means you need over 1600 feet or about one-third of a mile to pass safely.

Delaware's manual says to treat a hill or curve as an oncoming vehicle and not start to pass if you are within one-third of a mile of it.

An oncoming car just out of sight over the hill appears with no time for you to get back.

This means you should not start to pass if you are within one-third of a mile of a hill or curve.

Delaware's manual warns that a far-off oncoming vehicle seems to stand still; if you can actually see it coming closer, it may be too close for you to pass.

Judging speed head-on is hard, and a car that visibly grows in the windshield is already near.

In fact, if you can actually see that it is coming closer, it may be too close for you to pass.

Delaware's manual says it is dangerous to pass where a vehicle is likely to enter or cross the road, such as intersections and shopping center entrances.

The car you are passing hides a driver about to turn out, who will not expect you in that lane.

It is dangerous to pass where a vehicle is likely to enter or cross the road.

Before returning to the driving lane after passing, Delaware's manual says to leave enough room; it is safe to return when you can see both headlights of the passed vehicle in your mirror.

Cutting back in too soon puts your rear bumper just ahead of the car you passed.

Before you return to the driving lane, be sure to leave enough room between yourself and the vehicle you have passed.

At 55 mph, about how long does it take to pass another vehicle?

About 10 seconds. A driver who pulls out with a shorter gap is still beside the other car when the oncoming one arrives. Delaware Driver Manual, p.131: “At a speed of 55 mph, you need about 10 seconds to pass.”