Defensive driving, scanning and following distance

Key points

1. Defensive driving means being constantly aware of the driving conditions and planning ahead.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   ““Defensive Driving” means being constantly aware of the driving conditions, planning ahead,”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 22

2. Look ahead about one city block to avoid last minute decisions.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “To avoid the need for last minute decision making, look ahead for a distance of about one city block.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 25

3. Use the 3 to 6 second rule to judge your following cushion.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “You can use the “3-6 second” rule to determine if you have enough cushion between you and the vehicle you are following.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 25

4. If you pass the same point before you finish counting, you are following too closely.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “If you pass the same point before you finish counting, you are following too closely.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 25

5. Most rear end crashes are caused by following too closely.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “Most rear end crashes are caused by following too closely.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 25

6. If someone tailgates you, you can move to another lane when safe to encourage them to pass.

   Source: Handbook p. 26

   “When safe to do so, you can move to another lane to encourage the tailgater to pass.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 26

7. When sharing a lane with a bicycle, allow at least 3 feet of clearance.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “When sharing a lane with a bicycle, allow at least 3 feet of clearance between you and the bicycle.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 25

8. Arizona law prohibits holding or supporting a wireless device while driving.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “Arizona law prohibits holding or supporting a wireless device while driving.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 24

9. You may not read or write texts or watch, record or broadcast video while driving.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “Drivers may not write or read any text-based communication while driving, and may not watch, record, or broadcast video while driving.”
   Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 24

10. Do not rely on mirrors alone; look over your shoulder before changing lanes.

    Source: Handbook p. 26

    “Do not rely on your mirrors alone to see other vehicles or motorcycles. Look over your shoulder to see if the way is clear before changing lanes.”
    Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Handbook p. 26

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Arizona practice test

1. 1. What rule can an Arizona driver use to judge whether the following cushion is large enough?

   1. A one-second rule at every speed
   2. A one-car-length rule
   3. The 3-6 second rule
   4. A 10-minute rule
   Show answer

   The 3-6 second rule. Arizona's manual describes the 3-6 second rule for judging the cushion behind a vehicle ahead. The driver watches the lead vehicle pass a fixed point and counts, then checks whether the same point is reached before the count is finished. At faster speeds, the manual says the distance should increase, and a tailgater behind is another reason to leave extra room ahead. A fixed car length ignores speed, while a universal one-second count gives too little time in ordinary conditions.

2. 2. How does the Arizona manual define defensive driving?

   1. Being constantly aware of driving conditions, planning ahead, anticipating dangers and taking the right action to avoid contact
   2. Driving slower than the limit at all times
   3. Never yielding the right of way
   4. Keeping both hands at ten and two
   Show answer

   Being constantly aware of driving conditions, planning ahead, anticipating dangers and taking the right action to avoid contact. Defensive driving means being constantly aware of the driving conditions, planning ahead, anticipating dangers and taking the right action so as not to come in contact with any obstacle or another vehicle. The manual says driving defensively helps protect your life and your driving record, and that it is the best way to prepare for unpredictable events such as bad weather and drivers who ignore traffic rules. Always driving below the limit, refusing to yield, or a set hand position is not the definition the manual gives.

3. 3. Another Arizona driver is following you too closely. What does the manual recommend?

   1. Brake sharply to warn them
   2. Speed up to get away
   3. Pull onto the shoulder immediately
   4. Gradually slow down and give additional cushion between you and the vehicle ahead
   Show answer

   Gradually slow down and give additional cushion between you and the vehicle ahead. If another driver is following too closely, the manual says to gradually slow down and give additional cushion between you and the vehicle in front of you. That extra space lets you brake more slowly, which gives the tailgating driver time to react and brake. When it is safe, you can move to another lane to encourage the tailgater to pass. Braking sharply or speeding up works against that advice, because what you do affects the driver behind you, especially if you must stop suddenly.

Source: the Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, Section 2: Safe Driving Practices. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.