U-turns, backing, parking and following distance

Key points

1. Do not turn around near a curve or a hilltop where drivers within 500 feet cannot see you, or where signs prohibit it.

   Source: PDF page 55

   “it is against the law to turn your vehicle around near a curve, near the crest of a hill where you cannot be seen by another vehicle approaching within 500 feet in either direction, or where signs prohibit turning.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 55

2. Before backing, look to the front, sides and rear, keep looking to the rear while backing, and do not depend on your mirror.

   Source: PDF page 55

   “You should look to the front, sides and rear and continue to look to the rear while backing. Do not depend on your mirror.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 55

3. Never back across other traffic lanes or through an intersection.

   Source: PDF page 55

   “Never back across other traffic lanes or through an intersection.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 55

4. When parking on a grade, turn the front wheels to the curb side and set the parking brake.

   Source: PDF page 56

   “If you park or stop on a grade, turn the front wheels to the curb side of the highway so the vehicle will not roll. Be sure to set the emergency or parking brake.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 56

5. When parallel parking, keep your wheels within 18 inches of the curb and park in the direction of traffic.

   Source: PDF page 57

   “When parallel parking on the left side of the road, wheels should be within 18 inches of the left curb. Park in the direction of the traffic.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 57

6. Following too closely causes most rear end collisions; use the three to four second rule.

   Source: PDF page 57

   “The best way to assure proper following distance is to use the three-to-four second rule.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 57

7. If it is dark or raining, keep at least 4 seconds; with ice or snow, at least 6 seconds.

   Source: PDF page 57

   “If it is dark or raining, the distance should be at least four seconds. If there is ice or snow, stay at least six seconds behind the vehicle in front.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 57

Numbers to know

3 questions from the West Virginia practice test

1. 1. How many seconds of following distance should a driver allow in normal conditions?

   1. One second in every situation
   2. Three to four seconds
   3. Exactly two seconds regardless of weather
   4. Ten seconds on every road
   Show answer

   Three to four seconds. West Virginia recommends the three-to-four-second rule for ordinary following distance. Choose a fixed object, begin counting when the vehicle ahead passes it, and make sure you do not reach that object before finishing the count. One second leaves little room to react, and a fixed two-second gap ignores the handbook's longer normal interval. Ten seconds is not the general rule. Increase the cushion to at least four seconds in darkness or rain and at least six seconds on ice or snow, because stopping takes longer.

2. 2. What minimum following interval does the handbook advise in darkness or rain?

   1. At least six seconds in every condition
   2. Exactly two seconds
   3. At least four seconds
   4. No additional interval is needed if headlights are on
   Show answer

   At least four seconds. Reduced visibility and changing road grip call for more space than the ordinary three-to-four second rule. The handbook specifies at least four seconds when it is dark or raining. Six seconds is the special minimum given for ice or snow, so applying it to every condition overstates this particular rule. Headlights help you see and be seen but cannot shorten braking distance. Use a roadside object to count the interval and enlarge it further whenever traffic, weather, or your vehicle's condition demands.

3. 3. When should a driver increase the following gap to at least six seconds?

   1. Only when the road is dry
   2. Whenever driving below 25 mph
   3. Only when following a motorcycle
   4. When there is ice or snow
   Show answer

   When there is ice or snow. The handbook gives the six second following distance for ice or snow. Poor traction increases the distance needed to slow and stop, so a normal three to four second cushion is not enough. Driving below a particular speed does not automatically trigger the six second rule, and following a motorcycle is not the stated condition. Dry pavement generally offers better traction rather than requiring the longest gap. Choose a fixed object, count after the vehicle ahead passes it, and add space whenever winter conditions make braking less predictable.

Source: the West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, Chapter VI: Traffic Laws And Rules Of The Road. 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.