🪞 Following distance
Following distance is scored across the entire drive rather than at one moment, and it's the easiest category to lose points in without noticing. Florida teaches a four-second gap in good conditions — and in a state where sudden downpours are routine, the examiner expects you to stretch it when the road is wet.
What the examiner is watching for
- ✓A consistent gap of at least three to four seconds behind the vehicle ahead
- ✓The gap grows in rain, heavy traffic, or when following a large vehicle
- ✓You don't close the gap when traffic slows or when someone merges in front
- ✓Braking is gradual because you left yourself room to plan
Step by step
- 1Pick a fixed object ahead — a sign or a pole — as the car in front passes it.
- 2Count seconds until your own front bumper reaches the same object.
- 3If you get there in under four seconds in good conditions, ease off and rebuild the gap.
- 4Add time in rain, at night, or behind a truck whose mirrors you can't see.
- 5When someone merges into your gap, drop back rather than closing it up.
Mistakes that cost points
- ✗Drifting closer and closer during a long stretch without re-checking
- ✗Keeping the same gap in heavy rain that you'd use on a dry day
- ✗Closing up on a driver who merged in front of you
- ✗Following close enough that every slowdown needs firm braking
The other 5 skills FL grades
FullPass is an independent study aid. Road-test guidance is written from official FLHSMV test requirements; your examiner and the Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles remain the final authority.