Rhode Island Operator License Knowledge Exam Practice
Full test preview Question 1 of 30
0 answered 30 remaining
Passing target: 80% (24/30)
The car ahead of you passes a utility pole, and you start to count seconds. Your front bumper reaches the pole when you have counted only two seconds. What does this tell you, and what should you do?
A follows B on a dry two-lane road. A’s front bumper is level with a roadside utility pole. The card states that two seconds have passed since B passed that pole.
Correct answer: The gap is too short; slow down and count again until you reach three.
Why
The three-second rule gives you time to see a problem, react and brake. Pick a fixed object such as a sign, pole or pavement line, and start to count when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes it. The manual says that the rule works in most situations but cannot always guarantee a stop, so add time when conditions are poor.
Verified against Rhode Island Driver's Manual online version · The Three (3) Second Rule - Following Distance · p. 50, 51
Report a question issueContinue learning
