You should increase your following distance if:

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

You should increase your following distance if:

1. You have a good view of the road ahead. 
2. Traffic is light. 
3. The road is dry.
4. The road is slippery. 

Find the answer to this question and an explanation below. 

Answer

This topic may show up on your motorcycle permit test. 

The answer is: D. The road is slippery. 

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. 

Under good riding conditions, a two-second following distance is typically adequate when riding behind another vehicle. 

However, when conditions are less than ideal, you should increase your following distance to ensure that you have enough space and time to react to hazards as they occur as well as a better view of the road around you. 

When riding conditions are poor, you should open up a following distance of 3 seconds or more. 

Some examples of times to increase your following distance include:

• When the pavement is slippery. 
• On poor road surfaces. 
• When traffic is heavy. 
• When visibility is reduced. 
• When you are being tailgated. 

Making sure you have enough space to stop, speed up, or maneuver can be the difference between being involved in a collision and riding out of harm’s way. 

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.