You are driving a car at a steady speed of 60\text{ mph} on a dry, level single carriagewa… — UK Driving Theory Test

You are driving a car at a steady speed of $60\text{ mph}$ on a dry, level single carriageway with good tyres and brakes. According to the UK Highway Code, what is the vehicle's typical braking distance (the distance travelled from the moment the brakes are applied until coming to a complete stop)?

A
$18\text{ metres}$ ( $60\text{ feet}$ )
B
$73\text{ metres}$ ( $240\text{ feet}$ )
$55\text{ metres}$ ( $180\text{ feet}$ )Answer
D
$110\text{ metres}$ ( $360\text{ feet}$ )

Answer

The typical braking distance at

60\text{ mph}

under normal dry conditions is

55\text{ metres}

(

180\text{ feet}

According to the UK Highway Code, at

60\text{ mph}

on a dry road, a vehicle travels

18\text{ metres}

(

60\text{ feet}

) during driver reaction time (thinking distance) and takes an additional

55\text{ metres}

(

180\text{ feet}

) to come to a halt under braking (braking distance), producing an overall stopping distance of

73\text{ metres}

(

240\text{ feet}

). Therefore, the braking distance alone is

55\text{ metres}

(

180\text{ feet}

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the specified speed and the component of stopping distance being asked for

Speed is

60\text{ mph}

and the target component is braking distance on a dry, level surface.

Overall stopping distance comprises two separate components: thinking distance and braking distance.

Recall the official Highway Code breakdown for

60\text{ mph}

Thinking distance is

18\text{ metres}

(

60\text{ feet}

) and braking distance is

55\text{ metres}

(

180\text{ feet}

), giving a total stopping distance of

73\text{ metres}

(

240\text{ feet}

Braking distance measures only the distance covered once the mechanical brakes are applied until the car stops.

Key Concept

Highway Code stopping distance breakdown by thinking and braking components

Estimated Time:1m 0s

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