Texas CDL General Knowledge Practice Exam

What are the recommended following distances when driving a commercial vehicle?

1. At least one second for every 10 feet of length of your vehicle

2. At least two seconds for every 10 feet of length of your vehicle

3. At least one car length for every 20 miles per hour

4. At least three seconds for every 5 feet of length of your vehicle

The correct answer is: At least one second for every 10 feet of length of your vehicle

The recommended following distance when driving a commercial vehicle is based on the length of the vehicle to ensure adequate time for reaction and stopping. The principle behind the correct response is that, as the size and weight of the vehicle increase, so does the required stopping distance. By maintaining at least one second of following distance for every ten feet of vehicle length, drivers allow for a more manageable space to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions, which is particularly crucial for larger, heavier vehicles that have longer stopping distances than standard vehicles. This guideline helps prevent tailgating and reduces the risk of collisions, especially in emergency situations or during adverse weather conditions. It emphasizes the importance of space management on the road, particularly for commercial drivers who are tasked with operating larger, more cumbersome vehicles. In contrast, the other options present different metrics or miscalculations that may not provide the necessary safety margins needed when driving commercial vehicles. Such options may not adequately account for the unique stopping characteristics of larger vehicles, thus potentially compromising safety on the road.