Toggle Menu

Emergency stop

This unit covers the theory and practice of stopping in an emergency situation.


Click here to watch a set of (4) videos about stopping in an emergency in conjunction with this section.

The videos are designed for learner drivers but all of the principles apply to ADI Part-Two. In fact, as the ADI test is longer and allows fewer errors it's essential that you are following the information shown in the videos. The videos will also start to prepare you for teaching this subject.


The ability to stop quickly and safely in an emergency is an essential skill for all drivers. The emergency stop manoeuvre is no longer done in all 'L' tests in the UK but it can be requested in some advanced driving tests. You will be asked to do it during Part-Two.

To a degree, quick reactions in real emergency stops are usually 'instinctive' for experienced drivers, however, this can cause as many problems as it solves ...

The ability to react quickly is essential to stop safely in an emergency, but you must also be able to stop in a controlled manner. Many drivers have come to grief after slamming on the brakes and losing control.

You can find out more about extreme emergency braking by by visiting the SmartDriving Drivers Area. Note, however, that the 'Skid to a stop' method described on the linked page is not usually acceptable during on road driving tests of any kind.

If you have not already done so, print and complete your Training Outcomes Worksheet for this unit - you might wish to revise your outcomes before doing the practical exercises in the project.

Next: Read the basics of the emergency stop method in Step2.

Crash test dummies