You are driving on a dry road in good conditions, following the vehicle in front. What is the minimum time gap you should leave between your vehicle and the one ahead?
- One second
- Two seconds
- Four seconds
- Ten seconds
Correct answer: B. Two seconds
The Highway Code advises leaving a gap of at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front on dry roads, giving you enough distance to stop safely if it suddenly slows or stops. A practical way to measure it is to watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed point, such as a sign, and count the time until you reach the same point. One second leaves no margin for reaction time. Four seconds is the guidance for wet roads, where stopping distances at least double, so it is a correct habit in rain but not the minimum being asked about here. Ten seconds applies to no standard rule and would be impractical in normal traffic.
Source: The Highway Code, Rule 126 (GOV.UK)