Visual search — South Carolina Permit Test

Ideally, look at what is happening 20 to 30 seconds ahead of your vehicle.

Seeing problems early gives time to adjust instead of braking or steering in an emergency.

Ideally, you should try to look at what is occurring 20 to 30 seconds in front of your vehicle.

Avoid staring at any one thing; keep your eyes moving and searching for possible problems.

Fixing on one object leaves the rest of the scene unwatched, including the hazard that matters.

Avoid staring at any one thing.

Avoid following too close to a larger vehicle, because it limits how far you can see.

A truck ahead hides the road beyond it, so you cannot see what it is about to stop for.

Avoid getting into situations that could limit how far you can see such as following too close to a larger vehicle.

Be aware of traffic behind you, especially when changing lanes, slowing down or stopping, or entering an intersection, and use your mirrors to check it.

These are the moments a following driver is most likely to run into you.

It is also important to be aware of traffic behind your vehicle, especially when changing lanes, slowing down or stopping, or entering an intersection.

How far ahead should you ideally look while driving?

20 to 30 seconds. Seeing problems early gives time to adjust instead of braking or steering in an emergency. South Carolina Driver's Manual, p.94: “Ideally, you should try to look at what is occurring 20 to 30 seconds in front of your vehicle.”