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Vehicle Control

The Emergency Stop: What to Expect and How to Do It

The emergency stop tests your reaction speed and vehicle control. Here's exactly what happens and how to execute it perfectly.

5 min read

The emergency stop is carried out in approximately 1 in 3 driving tests. The examiner will ask you to stop as quickly and safely as possible when they give the signal — usually raising their hand and saying "Stop!" You don't have to check your mirrors — this is an emergency.

The Full Guide

Before the test, the examiner will explain the signal. During the test, they will wait until you are driving at an appropriate speed on a straight road (usually 30mph). They will raise their right hand and say "Stop!" loudly. React immediately.

Common Faults

Checking mirrors before braking — this slows your reaction and is a fault
Braking too gently — the stop should be firm and decisive
Skidding (in non-ABS cars, caused by slamming the brake)
Not fully stopping — rolling to a halt slowly instead of stopping firmly
Moving off afterwards without proper observation

What the Examiner Looks For

Immediate reaction — foot to brake within a fraction of a second
Firm braking — car stops within a short distance
Car remains straight and under control during the stop
Correct control of clutch — not riding it throughout the stop
Safe move-off after the exercise

Quick Tips

1Don't try to check mirrors — the examiner already checked for you before signalling
2Brake first, clutch second — this maximises stopping power
3Practise so the reaction is instinctive, not thought through
4The emergency stop is usually the easiest part of the test to pass

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