Defensive driving and following distance

Key points

1. Look ahead at least 10 to 15 seconds.

   Source: Handbook p. 66

   “Take in the situation on the road at least 10-15 seconds ahead.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 66

2. Check traffic behind you at least every 10 seconds.

   Source: Handbook p. 66

   “Check the traffic behind at least every 10 seconds”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 66

3. Signal at least 100 feet before changing direction.

   Source: Handbook p. 66

   “Signal intentions at least 100 feet before planning to change direction.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 66

4. With the three second rule, count the seconds to reach a marker such as an overpass, sign, fence or corner; reaching it before three seconds pass is following too closely.

   Source: Handbook p. 66

   “such as an overpass, sign, fence, corner or other marker. 2) Count the seconds it takes to reach the same spot in the roadway. 3) Reaching the mark before three seconds pass is following too closely.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 66

5. Increase the three second minimum by 1 second for each adversity factor, such as rain or heavy traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 67

   “The three-second rule is a minimum requirement and should be increased by one-second for each adversity factor encountered”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 67

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Nebraska practice test

1. 1. After passing a vehicle, when should you move back into the right lane?

   1. As soon as your rear bumper passes its front bumper
   2. When you can see its front or its headlights in your rearview mirror
   3. After counting one second
   4. When the other driver honks
   Show answer

   When you can see its front or its headlights in your rearview mirror. Signal and move back into the right lane when you can see the front of the vehicle you passed, or its headlights, in the rearview mirror. Cutting in as soon as your bumper clears leaves the other driver no space. Before passing, stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle, signal, and check all around you. Passing is unlawful in marked no-passing zones, within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing, and when it requires exceeding the speed limit.

2. 2. How far ahead should you look to read the road while driving?

   1. Just past the hood of your car
   2. At least 10 to 15 seconds ahead
   3. About 2 seconds ahead
   4. Only as far as the next car
   Show answer

   At least 10 to 15 seconds ahead. Scanning ahead means taking in the situation on the road at least 10 to 15 seconds ahead. Looking only at the car in front of you or just past the hood leaves no time to spot hazards. Defensive driving also means looking to the sides where cars, people, or animals may cross your path, and not relying on traffic lights, because someone may run the light after it changes.

3. 3. Which reference point can a driver use when applying Nebraska's three-second following rule?

   1. A point chosen only after the vehicle ahead brakes
   2. The speedometer needle alone
   3. The rear bumper of a parked car selected after changing lanes
   4. A fixed point such as an overpass, sign, fence, or corner
   Show answer

   A fixed point such as an overpass, sign, fence, or corner. The timing exercise works by comparing both vehicles with the same stationary marker. Nebraska gives examples including an overpass, sign, fence, or corner. When the lead vehicle passes that point, begin counting, then compare the count when your vehicle reaches it. The speedometer alone cannot reveal the actual time gap, and waiting for braking creates an unnecessarily late warning. Choose a visible fixed object early, maintain a steady speed, and increase the interval when weather or traffic makes stopping more difficult.

Source: the Nebraska Driver's Manual, Section 5: Special Driving Conditions. 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.