When you can see well ahead and the road conditions are good, you should
- drive at a steady cruising speed which you and your vehicle can handle safely and is within the speed limit (see Rule 124 and the Speed limits table)
- keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and increase the gap on wet or icy roads, or in fog (see Rules 126 and 235).
Advice, not law. This rule is not written in capitals, so breaking it is not an offence in itself — but it can still be used in evidence in court to establish liability. The rules that say MUST or MUST NOT are the ones backed by law.
5 theory test questions on this rule
From the DVSA revision question bank. These are not the questions asked in the real theory test. Each one shows the answer, the explanation, and our own note on why every other option is not it.
Car
- The conditions are good and dry. When should you use the 'two-second rule'? Attitude
- You're driving on an open road in dry weather. What distance should you keep from the vehicle in front? Safety margins
- You're driving on a motorway. What does it mean if the car in front shows its hazard warning lights for a short time? Motorway rules
- What should you do if you have to stop while you're going through a congested tunnel? Incidents, accidents and emergencies