A driver travelling at 50\text{ mph} (80\text{ km/h}) along a dry dual carriageway needs t… — UK Driving Theory Test

A driver travelling at $50\text{ mph}$ ( $80\text{ km/h}$ ) along a dry dual carriageway needs to perform an emergency stop. According to The Highway Code, what is the total stopping distance in metres (combining thinking and braking distances) for this vehicle?

Answer: 53 metres

Answer

53\text{ metres}

According to The Official Highway Code, a vehicle travelling at

50\text{ mph}

(

80\text{ km/h}

) has a thinking distance of

15\text{ metres}

(

50\text{ feet}

) and a braking distance of

38\text{ metres}

(

125\text{ feet}

), giving an overall stopping distance of

53\text{ metres}

(

175\text{ feet}

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the standard thinking distance at

50\text{ mph}

(

80\text{ km/h}

)

15\text{ metres}

(

50\text{ feet}

)

50\text{ mph}

, the distance travelled during normal reaction time before applying the brakes is

15\text{ metres}

Identify the standard braking distance at

50\text{ mph}

(

80\text{ km/h}

)

38\text{ metres}

(

125\text{ feet}

)

On a dry, level road with good tyres and brakes, the distance required to decelerate to a complete standstill from

50\text{ mph}

38\text{ metres}

Sum the thinking and braking distances to calculate total stopping distance

15\text{ m} + 38\text{ m} = 53\text{ metres}

(

175\text{ feet}

)

Total stopping distance equals thinking distance plus braking distance.

Key Concept

Highway Code stopping distance breakdown at

50\text{ mph}

on dry roads

Estimated Time:45s

Question

Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept

Common Mistakes

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