According to The Highway Code, vehicle speed, road surface conditions, and the distinction… — UK Driving Theory Test

According to The Highway Code, vehicle speed, road surface conditions, and the distinction between thinking and braking distances determine the total stopping distance. Match each driving scenario and specified distance component on the left with its corresponding value on the right.

A vehicle travelling at $50\text{ mph}$ ( $80\text{ km/h}$ ) on a dry road: Total stopping distance $53\text{ metres}$ ( $175\text{ feet}$ )
A vehicle travelling at $60\text{ mph}$ ( $97\text{ km/h}$ ) on a dry road: Braking distance only $55\text{ metres}$ ( $180\text{ feet}$ )
A vehicle travelling at $20\text{ mph}$ ( $32\text{ km/h}$ ) on an icy road: Maximum total stopping distance $120\text{ metres}$ ( $360\text{ feet}$ )
A vehicle travelling at $50\text{ mph}$ ( $80\text{ km/h}$ ) on a wet road: Overall stopping distance $106\text{ metres}$ ( $350\text{ feet}$ )

Answer

The correct matches pair

50\text{ mph}

dry total stopping distance with

53\text{ metres}

(

175\text{ feet}

60\text{ mph}

dry braking distance with

55\text{ metres}

(

180\text{ feet}

20\text{ mph}

icy total stopping distance with

120\text{ metres}

(

360\text{ feet}

), and

50\text{ mph}

wet total stopping distance with

106\text{ metres}

(

350\text{ feet}

Each scenario correctly matches its corresponding calculated Highway Code metric:

50\text{ mph}

dry total distance is

53\text{ m}

60\text{ mph}

braking distance alone is

55\text{ m}

20\text{ mph}

on ice increases tenfold to

120\text{ m}

, and

50\text{ mph}

in wet conditions doubles to

106\text{ m}

Step-by-Step Solution

Determine total stopping distance for

50\text{ mph}

under dry conditions.

Thinking distance is

15\text{ m}

(

50\text{ ft}

) and braking distance is

38\text{ m}

(

125\text{ ft}

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

(

175\text{ feet}

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

Isolate the braking distance component for

60\text{ mph}

on a dry road.

60\text{ mph}

, the overall stopping distance is

73\text{ m}

(

240\text{ ft}

) with an

18\text{ m}

(

60\text{ ft}

) thinking distance, leaving a braking distance of

55\text{ metres}

(

180\text{ feet}

The question specifically isolates braking distance rather than the overall stopping distance.

Calculate the maximum stopping distance for

20\text{ mph}

in icy conditions.

Standard dry stopping distance at

20\text{ mph}

12\text{ m}

(

36\text{ ft}

). Applying the tenfold ice multiplier gives

12\text{ m} \times 10 = 120\text{ metres}

(

360\text{ feet}

The Highway Code specifies that stopping distances can be up to ten times greater on icy roads.

Calculate the stopping distance for

50\text{ mph}

in wet conditions.

Standard dry stopping distance at

50\text{ mph}

53\text{ m}

(

175\text{ ft}

). Applying the wet weather double multiplier gives

53\text{ m} \times 2 = 106\text{ metres}

(

350\text{ feet}

The Highway Code states that stopping distances are at least double on wet road surfaces.

Key Concept

Highway Code stopping distances vary by speed and are composed of thinking distance plus braking distance, with total distances doubling in wet conditions and increasing up to tenfold on icy roads.

Estimated Time:2m 0s

Question

Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept

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