Tennessee Permit Practice Test

What is the three-second rule used for?

1. To ensure you signal before changing lanes

2. To maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you

3. To determine when to turn left at intersections

4. To gauge your speed in traffic

The correct answer is: To maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you

The three-second rule is a crucial guideline used to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you while driving. This rule suggests that a driver should stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead, allowing enough time to react in case of sudden stops or emergencies. To use the three-second rule, a driver can choose a fixed point on the road, such as a sign or a tree. When the rear of the vehicle in front of them passes that point, they should be able to count to three before reaching the same point. If a driver reaches the point before counting to three, it indicates that they are too close to the vehicle ahead and should increase their distance. This method helps prevent rear-end collisions, especially in situations where traffic might suddenly slow down or stop, emphasizing the importance of maintaining adequate distance for safe driving conditions.