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How do I judge distance when driving?
I just turned 16 and I have my driving test coming up in a few months. I’m young for my grade, so all of my friends have their licenses already. It’s safe to say that I’m freaking out a little bit about the test (especially since I just got new glasses and am still getting used to them). How do you measure how far you are from other cars when driving?
Samuel Todd · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Have no fear—I’m happy to break down everything you need to know about judging distance while driving. No doubt, it’s tricky to get those distances right, especially if you just started driving.
Here are some helpful tips to judge distance when driving:
- When driving straight: Judging distance while driving straight is the simplest of all—just keep three seconds of room between you and the car in front of you. That’s enough room for seven school buses, so relax, let your foot off the gas, and leave plenty of space.
- When merging: As a general rule of thumb, it’s harder to judge distance from smaller vehicles and vehicles that are moving quickly. If you’re trying to merge onto the highway and you see a motorcycle or small car approaching, it’s best to be extra generous with space. Before you know it, that speck in the distance will be roaring past you.
- When reversing: To judge distance when reversing, you should use all of your car’s features. Check your rear and side mirrors (and use a backup camera if you have one).
- When parking: Knowing how much space your car takes up is crucial when you’re learning to park. Have your parents practice with you in an empty parking lot (high school parking lots are a great option) so that you get a better feel of how to maneuver your car safely.
As with most things, the key to judging distance is simply to practice, practice, practice. Start off on slower roads, then work your way up to the busy highways. Before you know it, you’ll be cruising confidently down the interstate and your driving test will be in the rearview mirror.
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