Stopping Distances
Stopping distance is how far your vehicle travels from the moment you spot a hazard to the moment your
vehicle comes to a complete stop. It includes both your thinking distance (your reaction time) and your
braking distance (how far the vehicle travels while you brake). Understanding stopping distances
is essential for passing the DVSA driving theory test and for
staying safe on real UK roads.
Use this Stopping Distances guide to learn the key rules for learner drivers, see how they apply in everyday
driving, and help you prepare for the UK
car theory test,
motorcycle theory test,
HGV / LGV theory test,
PCV theory test, or
ADI Part 1 DVSA theory test.
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What are stopping distances?
Stopping distance is the total distance your vehicle travels from the moment you see a hazard to the moment you
come to a full stop. It is made up of:
-
Thinking distance – the distance you travel while you notice a hazard, decide to brake and move your foot to the
brake pedal.
-
Braking distance – the distance your vehicle covers from the moment you start braking until the vehicle stops.
Stopping distances are affected by your speed, road and weather conditions, the condition of your tyres and brakes, and how alert you
are as a driver or rider. In your theory test, you'll be expected to know typical stopping distances and how to adjust your driving to
keep a safe gap from the vehicle in front.
Key stopping distance rules
As a learner driver or rider, you need to understand safe stopping distances and can apply them on real roads.
Here are the key stopping distance rules you should know:
- Always drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance you can see to be clear.
-
Leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so you can brake safely if it slows down or stops suddenly – never follow closer
than the overall stopping distance for your speed.
-
On faster roads and in tunnels, aim for at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front in good
conditions.
-
In wet conditions, double that gap. In icy conditions, you may need up to ten times
the normal gap.
-
Remember that large vehicles and motorcycles may need more distance to stop. Give them extra space and don't cut in
front of them.
-
If you have to stop in a tunnel or in slow-moving traffic, leave a clear gap to the vehicle in front so you can move off or manoeuvre
safely if needed.
-
Avoid tailgating (driving too close to the vehicle ahead). It's dangerous, intimidating and can lead to collisions –
especially at higher speeds.
These stopping distance rules are based on Rule 126 of the UK Highway Code, which covers safe distances and stopping gaps.
Want to see the Highway Code stopping distance rules?
View the Highway Code stopping distance rules.
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Typical stopping distances
- 20 mph (32 km/h): thinking 6 m + braking 6 m = 12 metres (40 feet)
- 30 mph (48 km/h): thinking 9 m + braking 14 m = 23 metres (75 feet)
- 40 mph (64 km/h): thinking 12 m + braking 24 m = 36 metres (118 feet)
- 50 mph (80 km/h): thinking 15 m + braking 38 m = 53 metres (175 feet)
- 60 mph (96 km/h): thinking 18 m + braking 55 m = 73 metres (240 feet)
- 70 mph (112 km/h): thinking 21 m + braking 75 m = 96 metres (315 feet)
Source: The Highway Code –
Typical stopping distances.
Stopping distances in real driving situations
Stopping distances are not just facts needed to help you pass the UK driving theory test – they're vital for everyday driving. You'll use
them every time you:
- Follow traffic and need to keep a safe gap.
- Drive in heavy rain, snow or fog and must increase your following distance.
- Approach junctions, pedestrian crossings or bends where hazards might appear suddenly.
- Drive behind large vehicles like lorries or buses that block your view of the road ahead.
In your practical driving test, examiners will expect you to leave sensible stopping distances, avoid tailgating and show that you can
adjust your speed smoothly for changing road and traffic conditions.
Stopping distance theory test questions in the DVSA theory test
Stopping distances appear in the multiple-choice part of the DVSA theory test in several ways. You may be asked:
- To choose the correct stopping distance or thinking distance at a given speed.
- How far you should stay behind the vehicle in front in different weather conditions.
- How speed, road surface and vehicle condition affect stopping distances.
Explore a sample of the latest DVSA theory test revision questions in Driving Theory 4 All's
theory test questions and answers section.
Source: Department for Transport (GOV.UK) - The Highway Code. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.