You are driving a car at the national speed limit on a dry, clear motorway. In an emergenc… — UK Driving Theory Test

You are driving a car at the national speed limit on a dry, clear motorway. In an emergency, what is your total stopping distance according to The Official Highway Code?

A
$73\text{ metres}$ ( $240\text{ feet}$ )
B
$75\text{ metres}$ ( $245\text{ feet}$ )
$96\text{ metres}$ ( $315\text{ feet}$ )Answer
D
$192\text{ metres}$ ( $630\text{ feet}$ )

Answer

96\text{ metres}

(

315\text{ feet}

)

According to The Official Highway Code, the national speed limit for standard cars on a motorway is

70\text{ mph}

(

113\text{ km/h}

). Under good, dry road conditions, stopping distance consists of a

21\text{ metres}

(

70\text{ feet}

) thinking distance and a

75\text{ metres}

(

245\text{ feet}

) braking distance, resulting in an overall stopping distance of

96\text{ metres}

(

315\text{ feet}

Step-by-Step Solution

Determine the relevant vehicle speed based on the motorway national speed limit for cars.

The national speed limit for cars on a motorway is

70\text{ mph}

(

113\text{ km/h}

Stopping distance calculations in The Highway Code correspond directly to vehicle travel speed.

Identify the thinking distance and braking distance components at

70\text{ mph}

on a dry surface.

Thinking distance is

21\text{ metres}

(

70\text{ feet}

) and braking distance is

75\text{ metres}

(

245\text{ feet}

Total stopping distance is calculated by summing thinking distance and braking distance.

Calculate the overall stopping distance.

21\text{ m} + 75\text{ m} = 96\text{ metres}

(

70\text{ ft} + 245\text{ ft} = 315\text{ feet}

Adding reaction distance to vehicle braking distance provides the complete distance required to bring the car to a halt.

Key Concept

Total stopping distance equals thinking distance plus braking distance, which at

70\text{ mph}

(

113\text{ km/h}

) on dry roads totals

96\text{ metres}

(

315\text{ feet}

Estimated Time:1m 0s

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