E is for...
E is for… Emergency stop!
The emergency stop, also known as the controlled stop, is often practised during driving lessons. This involves simulating an emergency situation and getting the student to stop as quickly and as safely as possible. It could be that a pedestrian has suddenly walked out on you, or a car has pulled out on you.
How is it performed on a test?
- Your examiner will pull you over at the side of the road and explain what they are going to do. They won’t just suddenly shout STOP whilst you’re driving along and expect you to stop!
- They will choose a safe, quiet road for you to do this on
- They will explain that they would like you to do an emergency stop, and that the signal they give will be by raising their right hand and saying ‘STOP’
- They will ask you to drive on when you’re ready. The examiner will look around, and then give you the STOP signal
- You will be expected to react quickly and safely
- Once you’ve stopped the examiner will ask you to drive on again, and you will not be asked to do the emergency stop again
1 in 3 tests do the emergency stop – so it’s not a definite that you’ll get the emergency stop on your test. However, it is good to practise this with your instructor so that you are prepared – and in case