DGT theory test topics › Driving Types and Techniques
Keep at least two seconds between you and the vehicle ahead, and much more in rain, snow or ice. Your stopping distance is the distance you travel while you react plus the braking distance, and on a dry road at 90 km/h it is about 61 metres.
Key rules to remember
- Two-second rule: pick a fixed point; when the car ahead passes it, count two seconds. If you reach the point before you finish, you are too close.
- Stopping distance: reaction distance (the average reaction time is about one second) plus braking distance. On a dry road it is about 61 metres at 90 km/h and 98 metres at 120 km/h.
- Rain: braking distance can double. The DGT recommends a much bigger gap (its 2023 winter guide suggests at least five seconds), avoiding puddles, and dipped beam if your car has no daytime running lights.
- Hazard perception: the DGT is adding a video to the theory exam in which you must spot risky situations. The test still has 30 questions with three possible answers. You can practise with the DGT's own hazard prediction tests.
Exam tip: For distance questions, think in seconds, not metres: the faster you drive, the more metres those seconds become.
Practise: DGT questions about this topic
- The reaction distance is the distance covered by the vehicle...
- When turning left at this intersection, where should the centre of the intersection be in relation to your vehicle?
- You are driving during the day and it starts to rain torrentially, severely reducing visibility, as shown in the image. Must you turn on the rear fog lights?
- During the day, you are driving your vehicle and notice light snow, so you turn on the dipped headlights and position lights. Do you believe you have activated the correct lights?
- Which types of roads are perceived to have a higher accident risk?
The other exam topics
- Traffic Regulations and Road Use
- Manoeuvres and Overtaking
- Traffic Signs and Signals
- Vehicle Lighting and Visibility
- Use of the Vehicle
- Driver and Vehicle Documentation
- Accidents and Emergencies
- Road Safety and Behaviour
- Vehicle Mechanics and Maintenance