DKTKey points on following distance for the New South Wales learner test. Each answer is checked against the official New South Wales 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 374 · 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 375 · official source
In good conditions, what minimum following gap does the NSW handbook say to keep behind the car ahead?
Answer: 3 seconds
Keep at least a 3-second gap, and 4 or more seconds on wet, unsealed or night roads.
Practice question 376 · official source
In good conditions, how far behind the vehicle in front should you stay?
Answer: At least 3 seconds
Keep at least a 3-second gap in good conditions, and more when conditions are poor.