Three 'phases' of basic progressive braking

1. Take up the slack

Here you simply press the brake pedal enough to 'feel' the brakes starting to bite. This also switches on the brake lights to warn following drivers.

2. More pressure

Here you apply more pressure to lose the bulk of your speed. The degree of pressure and how long you hold it will depend on your speed.

3. Ease off

Here you ease the pressure on the brake pedal, sometimes releasing it altogether. This will allow the car to 'roll' to a smooth stop.

As soon as you have mastered basic stopping try a simulated emergency stop with the car stopping in the same place, but again with your foot off the brake pedal as the car stops (of course, in a real emergency, or a driving test emergency stop you would keep your foot firmly on the pedal).

Learn a more about braking here ...

Securing the car

When parking or waiting for a gap in traffic for more than a very short stop, always apply the handbrake before selecting neutral.

If you select neutral before applying the handbrake, there will be a short time when the car is vulnerable if hit by another vehicle - secure the car first, every time.

You should also use the handbrake when stopped in a car with automatic transmission.

Next: Complete your first moving off and stopping practice as outlined in Step 6.