UK Driving Theory Practice Exam

On wet roads, by how much should you increase your following distance?

1. Triple (6 seconds)

2. Double (4 seconds)

3. Single (2 seconds)

4. Quadruple (8 seconds)

The correct answer is: Double (4 seconds)

Increasing your following distance on wet roads to four seconds is recommended because wet conditions significantly reduce traction and increase stopping distances. When the road is slippery, vehicles require more time to come to a complete stop. A following distance of four seconds allows for a safer buffer, giving the driver ample time to react to the actions of the vehicle ahead. In wet conditions, vehicles can skid and lose control more easily than they can on dry roads. The extra two seconds, as opposed to the standard two seconds following distance for good conditions, offers a better margin for error. It is essential for reducing the risk of collisions, as it provides more time to assess road conditions and adjust speed appropriately. In contrast, the other options suggest either not enough or excessive following distances, which may not be practical for all driving situations. While three seconds or even eight seconds can be beneficial in certain extreme weather conditions, a four-second gap is generally an effective compromise for rainy days, balancing safety with normal driving speeds.