The emergency stop
An emergency stop is stopping the car as quickly and safely as possible because something has suddenly appeared in front of you, such as a child running into the road. It tests your reactions, your braking control and your ability to keep the car straight.
On the driving test the examiner might ask you to do one. In real driving, the aim is to need it as rarely as possible by reading the road and keeping a safe speed and gap.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can react quickly and brake firmly without locking the wheels.
- You can keep both hands on the wheel and the car in a straight line while stopping.
- You can use the brakes correctly in a car with or without ABS.
- You can secure the car after stopping and check all round before moving off again.
- You can explain why speed makes such a difference to stopping distance.
What you need to know and understand
- Brake immediately, but not so harshly that the wheels lock, because locked wheels can make you lose control.
- With ABS, press the footbrake firmly and keep the pressure on; ABS helps you keep steering control.
- ABS does not necessarily make the car stop in a shorter distance.
- Typical overall stopping distance for a car is 23 metres at 30 mph and 96 metres at 70 mph in good conditions.
- Stopping distances are at least double on wet roads and can be ten times greater on icy roads.
- If the car skids, remove the cause by releasing the brake pedal or easing off the accelerator, and steer in the direction of the skid.
Stopping quickly, step by step
In an automatic, the steps are the same except there is no clutch to press. Keep firm pressure on the brake until you have stopped.
- React straight away: move your right foot from the accelerator to the brake.
- Press the brake firmly and progressively, building up pressure quickly rather than stamping.
- Keep both hands on the wheel and hold the car straight.
- Press the clutch down just before the car stops, so the engine does not stall.
- Once stopped, apply the parking brake and select neutral.
- Before moving off, check all around, including both blind spots, because other traffic may be passing you.
ABS and skids
Most modern cars have anti-lock brakes (ABS). If you brake very hard, you may feel the brake pedal pulse and hear a grinding noise. This is normal. Keep pressing firmly and let the system work. ABS stops the wheels locking, so you can still steer around a hazard.
In a car without ABS, if the wheels lock and the car starts to slide, release the brake pedal so the wheels can turn again, then brake again more gently. Skids are usually caused by braking, accelerating or steering too harshly, or by driving too fast for the conditions.
On the driving test
If the examiner asks for an emergency stop, they will explain the signal they will use and only give it when it is safe to do so. You do not need to check your mirrors before braking when the signal comes, because the examiner has already done so and real emergencies do not allow time. Stop quickly and under control, then check carefully all round before driving on.
Common mistakes
- Hesitating or checking the mirror before braking. React to the signal straight away.
- Pressing the clutch first, which lets the car coast. Brake first, clutch just before stopping.
- Taking a hand off the wheel or letting the car swerve. Keep both hands on and steer straight.
- Easing off the brake when the ABS pulses. Keep firm pressure on.
- Moving off without looking over both shoulders. Traffic may be passing on either side.
Test yourself: The emergency stop
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Highway Code rules 117 to 120, 126, 227 and 230 (gov.uk); Highway Code typical stopping distances (gov.uk); Driving test: what happens during the test (gov.uk); DVSA car and light van driving syllabus, Unit 2. Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the DVSA.