DKT- You must keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
- Most drivers should be at least two seconds behind it.
- Three or four seconds is the safer choice for young drivers who are still building hazard perception.
- Heavy vehicles such as buses, trucks and trams need bigger safety margins, so never move into their space.
How to measure two seconds
- Pick a fixed marker ahead, such as a signpost or a tree.
- Note the moment the vehicle in front passes it.
- Count the seconds until your own vehicle reaches the same marker.
- If you count less than two seconds, you are too close. Ease off and try again.
A two-second gap allows for an average person's reaction time. It is the minimum, not the target.
When to leave three or four seconds
A larger gap is a good safety margin in these situations:
- distracting conditions
- poor visibility, or when it is dark
- when the road is wet or slippery
- when you are carrying a heavy load
- on a gravel road
The handbook also suggests a bigger gap when passengers are distracting you, because it gives you more space and time to react.
Why it matters
Your safety margin is the space ahead, behind and beside your vehicle. Extra room gives you time to deal with mistakes, including other drivers' mistakes, and can make the difference between stopping in time and crashing. Young drivers are still learning to see hazards early, so the extra seconds are valuable.
If someone is tailgating you
Do not feel pushed into speeding up. If it is safe, slow down slightly so that you have more room in front of you. Then you will not need to brake suddenly. See keeping your cool for dealing with aggressive drivers.
Long vehicles
If your vehicle and trailer together are at least 7.5 metres long and you are following another long vehicle, keep at least 60 metres back. This does not apply in a built-up area (buildings next to the road, or street lights) or on a multi-lane road. In a road train area, keep at least 200 metres back. See also sharing the road with trucks.
Based on the Victorian Road to Solo Driving handbook and the VicRoads learner and probationary pages. Rules change from time to time, so check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest.
Quick answers
What is the safe following distance in Victoria?
In good conditions, stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front. The handbook says three or four seconds is safer for young drivers and in poor conditions.
How do you measure a two-second gap?
Pick a marker like a signpost, note when the vehicle ahead passes it, then count the seconds until you pass the same marker. Less than two seconds means you are too close.