Missouri · Traffic Laws · Question 8 of 8
When following an emergency vehicle with flashing lights, you must stay back at least:
- A. 100 feet
- B. 300 feet
- C. 500 feet Correct answer
- D. 50 feet
Why this is the right answer
Most states require that you not follow within 500 feet of a fire truck, ambulance, or police vehicle responding with lights and siren so they can maneuver safely.
How this question shows up on the Missouri permit test
Questions in the traffic laws category are common on the Missouri learner permit exam. The exam tests your knowledge of the Missouri Driver Handbook, and topics like this one show up in multiple forms: sometimes as a direct rule, sometimes as a real-world scenario, and sometimes as a "which of the following is NOT correct" question, which trips up readers who skim. Read every choice carefully and watch for the words "always," "never," and "only."
If you missed this question, do not just memorize the answer — re-read the explanation and try to put the rule in your own words. Study research consistently shows that explaining a rule out loud locks it in much better than rereading the same text.
For a deeper walkthrough of traffic laws on the permit test, read our complete guide to Traffic Laws.