Following Distance
The following-distance rule is statutory in wording (‘reasonable and prudent’) but taught numerically as the two-second rule: pick a fixed roadside point and ensure you pass it no less than two seconds after the vehicle ahead. Because it is time-based, the physical gap automatically scales with speed — which is why a fixed-metre answer is wrong. Connects to Speed Limits and the Slippery Road Sign response.
Plain-language rule
Do not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent for the speed, traffic and road conditions. The K53 teaching tool is the two-second rule (three seconds is safer); double the gap in rain or poor visibility.
Legal basis: National Road Traffic Regulations 2000, Chapter X (following of vehicle — ‘reasonable and prudent’, reg number to verify)
Exceptions
- Larger gaps required for heavy vehicles, towing and convoys
- Double the time gap in rain, fog or at night
Question patterns
- Numeric recall (limits, distances, ages) where applicable.
- “What must you do in situation X?” — required response.
- Distractor trap: Giving a fixed distance in metres or ‘one car length’ — the safe gap is time-based and grows with speed.
Penalty / consequence
‘Following too closely’ (tailgating) fine; primary consequence is liability for rear-end collisions.
Ontology Following Distance [part-of] Rules of the Road
Connections
- Rules of the Road — part_of_topic, source: 2026-06-28
- National Road Traffic Regulations 2000 — derived_from_source, source: 2026-06-28