📚CDL General Knowledge — Question 8 of 20

You are driving a 40-foot vehicle at 55 mph. The road is dry, and visibility is good.What is the least amount of space that you need to have in front of your vehicle?

Answer: A

5 seconds

The minimum safe following distance when driving is one second per ten feet of vehicle length, plus an additional second if traveling over 40 mph. Therefore, a 40-foot vehicle traveling 55 mph would require a minimum following distance of five seconds.

All choices

  • A5 seconds
  • B4 seconds
  • C6 seconds

Why the other answers are wrong

B. 4 seconds

Four seconds is less than the required minimum following distance for a 40-foot vehicle at 55 mph.

C. 6 seconds

Six seconds exceeds the minimum required following distance but is not the least amount needed.

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CDL General Knowledge Test Info

Questions on Exam

50

Passing Score

80%

Time Limit

Typically 60 minutes; varies by testing location

The General Knowledge test content is federally standardized, so this question applies in every state. Age limits, fees, and testing procedures do vary — check your state's CDL requirements.

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