Delaware Defensive Driving Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The recommended following distance in ideal conditions is at least three seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. This three-second rule allows drivers to maintain a safe distance that gives them enough time to react to sudden stops or emergencies, thereby reducing the risk of collisions.

This distance can be measured by selecting a fixed point on the road, such as a sign or a tree, and counting the seconds it takes for your vehicle to reach that point after the vehicle in front of you passes it. If you reach the point before counting to three, it indicates that you are following too closely, and you should increase your distance.

Maintaining a three-second gap provides a buffer zone that accommodates variations in speed and road conditions, improving overall safety for both the driver and other road users. In adverse weather conditions or higher speeds, it’s advisable to increase this distance to ensure even greater safety.