Space, scanning and following distance

By the ChowChow Labs editorial team · Updated November 13, 2026 · How we check our content

Short answer: Most crashes are avoided by seeing problems early and having room to react.

Key points

• Keep at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead in good conditions.
• Leave more space in rain, snow, fog, at night or behind large vehicles.
• Scan far ahead, to the sides and in your mirrors every few seconds.
• Shoulder check before changing lanes or pulling out.
• If someone tailgates, keep a steady speed and let them pass.

Law or advice?

Following too closely is an offence. The two-second count is the guide's recommended method.

Example

The car ahead passes a sign and you reach it one second later. Ease off until you're at least two seconds back.

Checked against the Government of Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), used under the Open Government Licence – Alberta. Laws change, so check alberta.ca for the current rules before you rely on a number. Sources: Alberta Driver’s Guide, page 89: Following distance.

Check yourself

Try these 6 questions from our free mock exams, then tap Show answer. For more, take the rules of the road practice test.

1. Question 1 · Safe Driving

   What is the minimum following distance in good conditions?

   1. A. Two seconds
   2. B. One second
   3. C. Five car lengths at any speed
   4. D. Half a second

   Show answer

   Answer: A. Two seconds

   Stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead in good conditions.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 89: Two second minimum in good conditionsReviewed October 2026Report an error

2. Question 2 · Safe Driving

   How should your following distance change on a snowy road?

   1. A. It does not matter
   2. B. Keep it at two seconds
   3. C. Reduce it to see tracks
   4. D. Increase it

   Show answer

   Answer: D. Increase it

   Slippery roads need longer stopping distances, so leave more space.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 89: Extra gap in poor conditionsReviewed October 2026Report an error

3. Question 3 · Safe Driving

   A driver is following you too closely. What is the safest response?

   1. A. Speed up to get away
   2. B. Keep a steady speed and let them pass when possible
   3. C. Slow way down so they get frustrated
   4. D. Brake suddenly to warn them to back off from your bumper

   Show answer

   Answer: B. Keep a steady speed and let them pass when possible

   Staying calm and letting the tailgater pass reduces risk.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 89: Tailgater responseReviewed October 2026Report an error

4. Question 4 · Safe Driving

   You begin to yawn often and drift in your lane. What should you do?

   1. A. Turn up the music
   2. B. Open the window and keep going
   3. C. Stop somewhere safe and rest
   4. D. Drive faster to get home

   Show answer

   Answer: C. Stop somewhere safe and rest

   Fatigue impairs driving. The only cure is rest.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 107: Fatigue warning signsReviewed October 2026Report an error

5. Question 5 · Safe Driving

   Before you start driving, how should your seat be adjusted?

   1. A. As far back as possible, for comfort on long drives across the province
   2. B. So you can reach the pedals fully and hold the wheel with bent arms
   3. C. As close as possible to the wheel
   4. D. In any position, if you can see

   Show answer

   Answer: B. So you can reach the pedals fully and hold the wheel with bent arms

   A proper seat position gives you full control of the pedals and steering wheel.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 44: Seat and pedal positionReviewed October 2026Report an error

6. Question 6 · Safe Driving

   Your medication label says it may cause drowsiness. What should you do?

   1. A. Drive normally, since it was prescribed
   2. B. Drink coffee to stay alert while driving
   3. C. Do not drive until you know how it affects you
   4. D. Drive, but only on short local trips

   Show answer

   Answer: C. Do not drive until you know how it affects you

   Some medications impair driving. Follow warnings and ask a pharmacist.

   Source: Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), page 107: Medication impairmentReviewed October 2026Report an error

Next: Distraction and impairment. Your attention is the most important safety equipment. Alberta law limits device use, and new drivers have extra rules.