You are driving at a speed of 40\text{ mph} (64\text{ km/h}) on a wet road surface. Accord… — UK Driving Theory Test

You are driving at a speed of $40\text{ mph}$ ( $64\text{ km/h}$ ) on a wet road surface. According to The Highway Code, the standard thinking distance at this speed is $12\text{ metres}$ ( $40\text{ feet}$ ) and the braking distance on a dry road is $24\text{ metres}$ ( $80\text{ feet}$ ). In wet weather, total stopping distances are at least double those on dry roads. What is the minimum total stopping distance, in metres, required to stop safely under these wet conditions?

Answer: 72 metres

Answer

The minimum total stopping distance in wet conditions at

40\text{ mph}

72\text{ metres}

Under dry conditions at

40\text{ mph}

, thinking distance is

12\text{ metres}

and braking distance is

24\text{ metres}

, giving a baseline dry stopping distance of

36\text{ metres}

(

120\text{ feet}

). According to The Official Highway Code Rule 126, stopping distances in wet conditions are at least double those on dry roads, resulting in a total of

36\text{ metres} \times 2 = 72\text{ metres}

(

240\text{ feet}

Step-by-Step Solution

Calculate the total stopping distance on a dry road

12\text{ m} + 24\text{ m} = 36\text{ metres}

Total stopping distance equals thinking distance plus braking distance under normal dry conditions.

Apply the Highway Code wet weather multiplier to the dry stopping distance

36\text{ m} \times 2 = 72\text{ metres}

The Highway Code states that stopping distances are at least double on wet roads due to reduced tyre grip.

Key Concept

Highway Code stopping distances under adverse weather conditions

Estimated Time:1m 30s

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