Stopping

As with moving off, you will benefit most if you practise smooth stopping in a range of different places;on level roads, up and down hill and also in busy traffic.

As with moving off, studying the DriverActive information about stopping will help you to meet your performance targets for this unit.

Mirror use

It is important to ensure that it safe to commence the slowing down process well before it begins. To achieve this you will need to check your mirrors before you take your foot off the gas pedal.

The reason you are checking your mirrors (notice the plural) is to make sure that it is safe to stop. You might need to change your mind!

For example, if the truck behind is out of control and flashing his lights it would not be a good idea to pull up neatly in front of him?

Checking to see if it is safe to stop is not a passive action. You may need to take action to create a safe situation, for example, an early signal might warn a fast moving vehicle that is well behind. (See the notes about signals below.)

Smooth stopping is an art

Progressive braking requires finesse. Practise releasing the pressure on the foot-brake as the car stops and you will notice that you can eliminate the slight (or not so slight!) jerk as you stop..

Ideally, no matter how firmly you use the brakes, there should be no pressure on the foot-brake at all when the car finally stops, it should roll to a halt in the exact spot that you predetermine (slight pressure must be maintained when stopping on a downhill gradient).

There should be no perceptible jerk when the car comes to rest (unless, of course,you want to make your Part-Two test examiner and your kids car-sick!).

You can practise this on a quiet, straight, level road (an industrial estate on a Sunday morning is ideal). Place a marker at the point where the car should come to rest (a traffic cone is ideal) and then practice driving at different speeds and braking at different points as you approach, then stopping at that exact point with your foot fully off the brake pedal.

Next: Read the notes about progressive braking in Step 5.