Driving Schools Directory

Driving Tips - Safe Distance

All practical driving tips

Guidance reviewed: 25 September 2026. Use these prompts with professional instruction and the handbook for the vehicle you drive.

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Practical Driving Test Tips — Safe Distance

ProblemReasonSolution
You follow too closelyThe gap is judged by distance alone or the vehicle ahead is being followed automatically.On high-speed roads use at least a two-second gap in good conditions. Double it on wet roads and increase it much more on ice.
Your stopping distance is underestimatedSpeed, attention, road surface, weather or vehicle condition have not been allowed for.Drive so that you can stop well within the distance you can see to be clear and increase the gap whenever conditions reduce grip or visibility.
You stop too close in trafficNo space is left for an emergency or for manoeuvring.Leave enough space to move if the vehicle ahead breaks down or an emergency vehicle needs access.

Official guidance