Safety is at the cornerstone of the initial steps into the world of driving – and as any experienced person who has been behind the wheel for many years – keeping your wits about your and reacting accordingly can be the difference between safety and an accident.
So, this guide will outline all you need to know, what your instructor will teach you, what your invigilator will be looking for, and why it is so important.
What it is an emergency stop?
An emergency stop is an action taken to bring the vehicle to a complete stop as quickly and safely as possible.
It is typically done in situations where the driver needs to respond to an unexpected event and to avoid a collision.
Making an emergency stop is an important safety measure that all drivers should be aware of and practice – especially if you are new to driving or currently looking at taking your test.
It is important to remember that an emergency stop should only be done when absolutely necessary, as it can be dangerous and can cause damage to the car.
How to do an emergency stop?
To make an emergency stop, the driver must apply the brakes with maximum pressure, making sure to press down on the brake pedal as hard as possible without locking the wheels.
This will help to reduce the chances of skidding or loss of control. The driver should also keep the car in a straight line, as turning the wheel can cause the car to spin out of control. Grip hard with both hands and do so until the vehicle has reached a complete stop.
If while slowing down, you have time and can do it safely, the driver should also shift the car into a lower gear to help slow the car and reduce the risk of skidding.
However, if the vehicle is equipped also with a manual emergency brake, this can also be used in combination with the brakes to help bring the car to a stop. This is largely only available in older vehicles.
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Why is it important for learner drivers?
As an emergency manoeuvre – your instructor will need to show you how to correctly and safely carry out an emergency stop. This is because it could potentially save your life in an emergency situation.
The emergency stop is designed to allow you to bring the car to a complete stop quickly and safely in a dangerous situation. This could include a pedestrian suddenly stepping into the road, an animal running out in front of you, or any other dangers that can arise while driving.
Stopping distances can be dramatically different depending on the weather conditions, and the current state of your brakes and tyres.
For learners, it is important to learn how to use the emergency stop as it can help to build confidence on the roads. By understanding how to react quickly and safely to an emergency, learners can become more confident behind the wheel and be better equipped to handle a variety of driving scenarios.
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What is your examiner looking for?
When you are doing an emergency stop, your driving test examiner is looking for you to demonstrate safe, efficient, and controlled driving.
During an emergency stop, you must apply the brakes firmly and steadily, and stop in a safe and controlled manner.
Additionally, your examiner wants to make sure that you are looking ahead and checking your mirrors to be aware of your surroundings. You must be aware of your surroundings and anticipate what other road users might be doing
Your examiner is also looking for you to be able to demonstrate that you can use the correct technique when stopping in an emergency. This includes making sure that your hands are in the correct position on the steering wheel, keeping your foot on the brake until you have completely stopped, and not releasing the brake too quickly.
If possible, they also want to see you apply the manual handbrake to aid in the deceleration of the vehicle.
Finally, your examiner will be looking for you to use the right attitude when doing an emergency stop. This means that you should remain calm, be aware of your surroundings, and demonstrate that you are in control of the vehicle at all times.
When you are in your driving test, your examiner could call for the manoeuvre to be demonstrated. In fact, one in three tests will include an emergency stop.
Should this happen to you, it will take place in controlled conditions – likely on a quiet road where the instructor will give a signal for you to immediately react to.
You will have a knowledge of what to expect after you hazard perception test during your theory test – but this is where your newly learnt skills are tested.
How and when will the examiner signal for it?
The examiner will ask you to pull over into a space and then explain what they will say to instruct you to carry out the manoeuvre.
Simply put, they will be looking for you to reduce the vehicle as soon as possible in a safe manor, while maintaining control of the steering and being aware of your surroundings. You will then be asked to safely pull away and continue driving. The test will normally happen on a quiet, 30mph limit road. Be aware that there could be their cars, road users and pedestrians.
If you do this, then you will pass this part of the test.
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When would you need to do an emergency stop?
An emergency stop is typically done when a vehicle is traveling too fast and needs to slow down quickly in order to avoid a collision, or when the driver needs to avoid a sudden obstruction in the road.
Emergency stops should be used only when necessary, as they can be dangerous and cause damage to the vehicle and tyres.
Here is when you should perform an emergency stop:
- When an unexpected obstruction appears in the road.
- When a pedestrian, cyclist, scooter, or other vehicle appears in front of you, and it is the only way to avoid hitting them.
- When a vehicle in front of you suddenly brakes hard.
- When you are traveling too fast for the current road conditions.
- When you are approaching a potential hazard too quickly.
- When a tire blows out or a vehicle component fails.
Remember, an emergency stop should only be used when absolutely necessary and only when you are in control of the vehicle.
Weather and road conditions can play a major factor when it comes to stopping distances and remaining in control of the vehicle. So, be aware of what’s in front of you and keep both hands on the wheel to ease the vehicle to an immediate stop.
If your test is fast approaching then you should study braking, thinking and total stopping distances. Knowing this ahead of your test will help put you at ease – and hopefully help you pass your test.
What advice would you give to learner drivers? Has the Driving Theory Test UK app helped you prepare for the big day? Leave your comments below.
