A method selects a target vehicle located in front of a vehicle in the driving direction of the second-mentioned vehicle. The selection of the target vehicle is used in particular to automatically control the distance between the second-mentioned vehicle and the target vehicle. A preceding vehicle that can be selected as a target vehicle is recognized if a sensor unit has detected an object in front of the vehicle in the driving direction and a selection condition for this object is satisfied. Whether the selection condition is satisfied depends on the result of an evaluation of dynamic parameters of the vehicle and/or the object. The presence of a selectable preceding vehicle is indicated to the driver, and the driver can select the selectable preceding vehicle as a target vehicle by a confirmation.