Massachusetts Permit Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

Tailgating is defined as following another vehicle too closely, which can reduce a driver's reaction time in the event of sudden stops and increase the risk of collisions. The correct choice indicates that you cannot see the truck's rearview mirror, which typically signifies that you are too close to the vehicle in front of you. If a driver is tailgating, they are in such close proximity that they are unable to see the back of the vehicle clearly, which is an important safety indicator. Maintaining adequate following distance is critical for safety, allowing for enough reaction time to avoid accidents.

The other options do not accurately define tailgating; for instance, being able to see a vehicle's headlights or maintaining a safe distance suggests that you are not tailgating at all. Similarly, driving too fast does not specifically pertain to the distance between vehicles but rather to the speed of the driver, which is a separate issue.