To stop the car as quickly and safely as possible while maintaining full control. You’ll use straight-line braking, clutch timing, and awareness to stop without skidding, before rejoining safely.
- When the examiner says “STOP”, brake immediately and firmly in a straight line — don’t check mirrors first. (Highway Code Rule 118)
- Press the clutch (manual) just after the brake to prevent stalling and maintain braking force.
- Keep your steering straight; both hands firmly on the wheel, eyes ahead.
- ABS activation: Expect pulsing — keep pressure steady. (Highway Code Rule 120)
- After stopping: Secure with handbrake if necessary, select neutral, and await the examiner’s instruction to move off.
Coming soon
Exact examiner wording:
“Pull up on the left please.
Shortly I shall ask you to carry out an emergency stop. When I give this signal, (simultaneously demonstrate, and say) ‘Stop,’ I’d like you to stop as quickly and as safely as possible. Before giving the signal, I shall look round to make sure it is safe, but please wait for my signal before doing the exercise.
Do you understand the instructions?”
- Drive normally until the examiner gives the signal.
- When they say “STOP” — immediately brake hard, clutch down, keep the car straight.
- Hands and steering: Keep both hands on the wheel; only minimal steering corrections if the car pulls slightly.
- Come to a complete stop quickly and safely.
- Secure the car: Handbrake if needed, gear to neutral (manual) or hold brake (auto).
- Look around: Full observations before moving off when told to continue.
- No mirrors first: It’s an emergency — every fraction counts. (Rule 118)
- Firm, progressive braking: Stamp hard but controlled; don’t feather or pump with ABS.
- Clutch last: Brake first, clutch second for shorter stopping distance.
- ABS feel: Expect pedal vibration — it’s working. Don’t release it.
- Skid? Ease off slightly, regain grip, then reapply pressure.
- Wet/ice/gravel: Increase distance; anticipate stopping further ahead. View stopping distance guide.
- Move off again safely: 360° checks, right shoulder last, signal if needed, then drive on smoothly.
Common learner reactions & how to fix them
- Flinching off the brake too early: Commit to the stop; keep firm pressure until the car is fully stationary.
- Clutch first, brake second (manual): Reverse the order — brake first, clutch just after firm pressure is applied.
- “Pumping” the brake in ABS cars: Don’t. Press hard and hold; let ABS pulse for you.
- White-knuckle steering: Relax elbows slightly; keep the wheel straight with gentle corrections only.
- Staring down or at the bonnet: Keep eyes up and far ahead — you’ll brake straighter and judge grip better.
- Forgetting to secure and reset: After stopping, handbrake if needed, neutral (manual), then breathe and await the “drive on” instruction.
- Faffing the move-off: When told to continue, rebuild your normal move-off routine: 360° checks → right shoulder last → signal if useful → pull away smoothly.