Managing space and following distance

Section 2.7 of the CDL handbook covers managing the space around your vehicle, including following distance. It is tested on the General Knowledge test.

Key facts

Part of	the General Knowledge test (80% to pass)	DL-7C p. iv
Handbook section	§2.7 Managing space	DL-7C p. 2-16
Questions in CDL Mile's bank	9	CDL Mile, checked against DL-7C

Key rules

§ 2.7.7p. 2-19
Big trucks speed up slowly and take up a lot of room, and a heavy load slows acceleration even more. Wait for a gap big enough to get all the way across before traffic arrives.
Space Needed to Cross or Enter Traffic
§ 2.7.2p. 2-17
When someone tailgates you, increase your following distance. The extra room ahead means you are less likely to need sudden speed or direction changes, and it gives the tailgater an easier chance to pass.
Space Behind
§ 2.7.1p. 2-16
Allow 1 second for every 10 feet of vehicle length, then add 1 second above 40 mph. For a 50-foot rig at 55 mph: 50 / 10 = 5 seconds, plus 1 = 6 seconds.
Space Ahead

Try two questions

General Knowledge · Managing space

You are making a left turn at an intersection that has two left-turn lanes. Which lane does the handbook say to use?

Tap an answer to see the explanation and the handbook page.

General Knowledge · Managing space

Accident reports show that trucks and buses most often crash into the vehicle in front of them. What is the most frequent cause?

Tap an answer to see the explanation and the handbook page.

Sources

Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers Handbook (DL-7C), revised March 2026, Texas Department of Public Safety. Page references are to its printed page numbers. CDL Mile is independent and not affiliated with Texas DPS.

Updated for the March 2026 Texas CDL handbook (DL-7C). Last checked November 4, 2026.

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