Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Practice Test

You are tailgating a truck if you...

1. Can see the entire back of the truck

2. Can see a truck's side mirrors

3. Cannot see a truck's side mirrors

4. Are driving at the same speed as the truck

The correct answer is: Cannot see a truck's side mirrors

When you cannot see a truck's side mirrors, this indicates that you are too close to the vehicle in front of you, which constitutes tailgating. Tailgating is a dangerous driving behavior because it reduces the time and space needed to react in the event of sudden stops or emergencies. The visibility of the truck's side mirrors is a crucial factor; if you cannot see them, you are likely in the driver's blind spot and too close for safety. When following a larger vehicle like a truck, it's essential to maintain a safe distance to ensure you can react appropriately. The safe following distance typically recommended for most vehicles is at least three seconds behind the vehicle in front, which is even more critical when you're behind a truck due to their larger size and different stopping distances compared to smaller vehicles. The other options do not accurately capture the definition of tailgating. If you can see the entire back of the truck or the truck's side mirrors, it likely means you are driving at a safe distance. Similarly, driving at the same speed does not imply tailgating unless other conditions regarding distance and visibility are met.