Kansas DMV Practice Test

Under normal conditions, two seconds is the recommended following distance. This creates a small but important buffer that gives you time to notice the vehicle in front, react to a sudden stop, and brake safely without colliding. A simple way to check your gap is to pick a fixed object on the road ahead. As the vehicle in front passes that object, start counting seconds. If you reach the object before you finish saying “two,” you’re following too closely and should increase your distance. When road conditions are less favorable—wet or icy surfaces, poor visibility, or higher speeds—you should leave more space and allow for three seconds or more. One second is generally not enough time to react and stop safely, and three or four seconds are recommended only when conditions demand extra caution.