Key points on following distance for the Queensland learner test. Each answer is checked against the official Queensland handbook or road rules; use the practice-question links to test yourself.
In heavy rain, how should your gap behind the vehicle ahead compare with a dry day?
Answer: Bigger, because it takes longer to stop on a wet road
Wet roads lengthen stopping distance, so you need a larger gap behind the vehicle in front.
Practice question 380 · official source
How can you use a roadside post or sign to check your following gap?
Answer: Count the seconds from when the car ahead passes it until you pass it
Pick a fixed object, note when the car ahead passes it, then count how many seconds pass before you reach it.
Practice question 381 · official source
In wet weather or at night, how should you change your following gap?
Answer: Increase it to 4 seconds or more
Wet roads and darkness lengthen stopping distance and reduce vision. Increase your gap to at least 4 seconds.
Practice question 382 · official source
How do you check you have a 2 second gap?
Answer: Count 2 seconds after the car ahead passes a fixed object
Pick a fixed object, count 'one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two' after the vehicle ahead passes it, and you should reach it only after you finish counting.
Practice question 383 · official source
Why should you avoid cutting in front of a truck or bus?
Answer: Trucks and buses need much more distance to stop
Heavy vehicles cannot stop quickly. Give them room, and do not pull in front of them as lights change.
DKT