ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO REACT 

The examiner will assess your ability to adhere to safe following distances. Sufficient distances allow you adequate time to react safely to whatever happens ahead of you i.e. stopping without the need to carry out an emergency stop.  Following distances are influenced by speed, weather conditions, the road surface, traffic flow and sometimes the size of vehicle you are following. As a  general rule you should use one metre distance per mile an hour of speed. So if you are travelling at 30 mph you would have a following distance of at least 30 metres.

THE TWO SECOND RULE

Another approach is for you to use the two second rule, you should not ride any closer than two seconds from the vehicle in front.  Some motorcycle trainers suggest saying out loud ‘only a fool breaks the two second rule,’ which takes around two seconds to say. In wet conditions following distances must be doubled to four seconds, just say the phrase twice. When stopping behind stationary vehicles, stop at least a car length away from a car, with more distance needed behind larger vehicles. When you are behind vans, buses and trucks, you must stop at a distance that gives a clear view of the wing mirrors of the vehicle in front.

KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER - Following distances

• Allow sufficient following distance to react safely
• Use the two second rule in dry conditions
• Double the two second rule in wet conditions
• Allow sufficient distance behind stationary vehicles
• You should be able to see the wing mirrors of the vehicle in front