Speed and distance
Speed vs stopping distance, spacing rules and adapting to conditions.
Stopping distance grows rapidly with speed. Keep margins that fit sight, surface and traffic.
3‑second rule
- Dry: ≥ 3 seconds behind the vehicle ahead
- Wet/dark: 4–5 seconds
- Snow/ice: 6+ seconds
Stopping distance formula
Total = reaction distance + braking distance. Reaction distance ≈ 0.8 × speed(km/h). Braking distance grows with speed² and depends on grip.
Related
Next step
Continue with free car theory questions
Go straight from the article to free car theory questions and check what actually sticks before you keep reading more theory.
Try for free