How To Do An Emergency Stop

The advice given on this page has been written by fully qualified Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructors (DSA ADIs) and is intended only for UK drivers and those taking the UK Practical Driving Test.

Please be aware that road traffic legislation and what is considered good driving practice varies throughout the world!

The emergency stop is done at random on approximately one in three driving tests.

If the examiner wants you to carry out the emergency stop, you will be asked to pull over at the side of the road in a safe place and the examiner will then explain what you will be required to do along the following lines;

"Shortly I am going to ask you to stop the vehicle as if in an emergency. Just as if for example a small child ran into the road ahead of you. My signal for the manoeuvre will be..." (at this point the examiner will demonstrate the signal they will give you - it's usually holding up their right hand in front of the windscreen whilst saying "STOP").

The examiner will continue their instructions - "When I give the signal I'd like you to stop the car as soon as possible, while maintaining full control. Please try not to anticipate the manoeuvre when you see me look over my shoulder to check that it is safe for you to perform it. Drive on when you are ready please".

Let's start with a summarised list of what's required for carrying out an emergency stop. You may find it helpful to use this list as a memory jogger (aide memoire) - you could even copy it and print it out!

For those who prefer instructions given visually, there are some tutorial videos further down the page - some with an audio commentary for those who like to listen to what they need to do!

Doing An Emergency Stop On A Driving Test

1. After the examiner has explained what you will be required to do, move away as normal after making the proper observations. Try to keep your cool and don't try to anticipate when the examiner will ask you to stop. You WILL see the examiner checking that it's safe for you to do the emergency stop but don't assume that it's about to happen just because the examiner looks around - you must WAIT until you get the signal!

2. When the signal is given, you must try to stop as soon as possible in a controlled manner. This is the only time on your test that is no need for mirror checks or signals - the examiner has already checked it is safe and your brake lights will tell other road users what you are doing. Simply remove your foot from the accelerator (gas pedal) and brake firmly but not too hard that the brakes lock or you skid. Just before the car stops press the clutch pedal down. Keep both hands on the steering wheel as you brake to keep the car in a straight line - there's no need to worry about changing gear.

3. When the car has stopped, apply the handbrake and put the gear lever into neutral and take your feet off the pedals while you wait for the examiner's next instruction.

4. The examiner will then say something along the lines of; "Thank you, I won't ask you to do that exercise again. Drive on and follow the road ahead when you're ready.". Before moving away you must perform an all-round observation including mirror checks, checking over both your left and right shoulder and giving a signal if necessary.

Late or slow reaction to the signal

Applying the handbrake before stopping

Skidding out of control

Missing the foot pedal

Letting go of the steering wheel

*source - Retired driving examiner David Joberns

The Official DSA Guide to Driving:
the essential skills

Driving Test Success ALL Tests 2008/09 Edition
(PC)

Driving Test Success ALL TESTS 2008/09 Interactive DVD