When riding a motorcycle in ideal conditions, you should maintain a minimum following distance of:

Use this motorcycle practice test question to prepare for the real written exam at the DMV or during your motorcycle safety course. 

When riding a motorcycle in ideal conditions, you should maintain a minimum following distance of:

1. 1 second.
2. 2 seconds.
3. 3 seconds.
4. 4 seconds.

Find the answer to this question and an explanation below. 

Answer

This topic may show up on your motorcycle permit test. 

The answer is: B. 2 seconds.

How’d you do? Learn more about this motorcycle topic below. 

Explanation: Motorcycle Following Distance

In order to pass your motorcycle permit exams and to become a safe rider, it’s important to know why a particular answer on the motorcycle written test is correct. 

Following too closely is a major cause of collisions for both passenger cars and motorcycles. For that reasons, it’s important to pay attention to your motorcycle following distance.

It is important to maintain an adequate following distance when driving in traffic so that you have enough time and space to stop or maneuver in time to avoid a hazard. 

Under good riding conditions, you should maintain a following distance of at least 2 seconds.

To check that you are using an appropriate following distance, you can pick a point ahead on the road, begin counting (one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, etc.) when the vehicle in front of you reaches that point, and when you get to the point, the number you’ve counted to is your following distance.  

In good conditions, a 2-seconds following distance should provide you with enough space to stop or swerve if the driver in front of you creates a hazard. 

You should increase your following distance:

• If it will take longer for your motorcycle to stop. 
• When the pavement is wet or slippery. 
• If visibility is reduced. 
• If traffic is heavy. 
• If you are carrying cargo or passengers. 

You can find more information about this topic in the motorcycle rider’s handbook.

Check out more motorcycle permit test questions and answers here.

Find in-depth articles for new riders in our section dedicated to learning how to ride a motorcycle.

Plus, check out an overview of the requirements to get a motorcycle endorsement in each state.