How to do an Emergency Stop

Our Hendon Driving Instructors will help to learn the emergency stop. Hopefully you will never have to perform an emergency stop when you are a fully qualified driver. The aim of the emergency stop is to bring the car to a stop quickly, safely and under full control, as if it is an emergency, as if a small child has run out in front of you. The examiner or instructor will give you the instruction as follow:

“Shortly I will ask you to stop the vehicle as though it was an emergency. My signal for this manoeuvre will be STOP“.
said loudly, whilst raising his hand just under the interior mirror.
“I will ensure it is safe to perform the manoeuvre by looking over my right shoulder. Please do not anticipate the manoeuvre when you see me look and wait only for my signal.”

After moving away from the side of the road, the examiner will look behind, and then raise their right hand, and say “STOP!”

Here is what you have to do:

  • Don’t check mirrors and don’t signal
  • Keep both hands on the steering wheel
  • Press the brake pedal as quickly as possible
  • Press the clutch just before you stop.
    Note: (if your car is fitted with ABS brakes refer to manufacture’s handbook)
  • After the car stops, apply the hand brake
  • Select neutral.

The examiner will tell you when to move off again. He will say something similar to: “Thank you very much. You will not be asked to perform that manoeuvre again. Please follow the road ahead.”

  • Select first gear,
  • Make the appropriate observations and
  • Indicate if necessary.

ABS (anti-lock braking systems)

Most cars on the road today have Antilock Braking system (ABS) I think we should take a look at how they work and how to use. ABS It help the driver maintain some steering ability and avoid skidding while braking. ABS uses wheel speed sensors to determine if one or more wheels are trying to lock up during braking. If a wheel tries to lock up it reduce the braking on that wheel. This prevents skidding and allows you to maintain steering control.

If your vehicle is fitted with ABS brakes the system activates automatically under condition of harsh braking.

Typical Faults

  • Slow reaction
  • Missing the brake altogether and hitting the gas
  • Not keeping both hand on steering wheel
  • Clutch down too early
  • Not attempting to correct a skid
  • Releasing brake or clutch before securing the car
  • Applying handbrake before car has stopped
  • Poor observation before moving away again