Following distance seconds — Iowa Permit Test

An inexperienced or beginning driver should keep at least a 3-second following distance in normal conditions.

New drivers react more slowly. Three seconds gives you time to see a problem and brake.

An inexperienced or beginning driver should maintain at least a three-second following distance under normal driving conditions.

A 2-second following distance may be enough in normal conditions for an experienced driver.

Drivers with years of practice react faster, but the gap still has to leave room to stop.

A two-second following distance may be sufficient in normal conditions for an experienced driver.

At speeds of 40 mph, a 4- to 5-second following distance is recommended.

The faster you go, the more ground you cover before you can stop, so the gap must grow.

At speeds of 40 mph, a four- to five-second following distance is recommended.

When the road is slippery or the vehicle ahead blocks your view, keep a following distance of 6 or more seconds.

On a slick road your tires grip less, and a truck ahead hides what is coming. Both call for a bigger gap.

When road conditions are slippery or the vehicle in front of you blocks your view, a following distance of six or more seconds is recommended.

The 3- to 4-second rule only works in normal traffic under good weather conditions.

In rain, snow or heavy traffic the usual gap is too short, so you have to leave more room.

This rule only works in normal traffic under good weather conditions.

To check your following distance, count from when the vehicle ahead passes a landmark; your front bumper should not pass it before you count to three.

A sign or pole gives you a fixed point, so you can measure the gap in seconds instead of guessing.

your front bumper should not pass the landmark before you’ve counted to three.

If you will stop where others don't expect it, or someone is following too closely, tap your brake pedal 3 or 4 times quickly.

The flashing brake lights warn the driver behind you to slow down before you do.

tap your brake pedal three or four times quickly.

What is the shortest following distance a beginning driver should keep in normal conditions?

3 seconds. New drivers react more slowly. Three seconds gives you time to see a problem and brake. Iowa Driver's License Manual, p.41: “An inexperienced or beginning driver should maintain at least a three-second following distance under normal driving conditions.”