According to The Highway Code, total stopping distance consists of thinking distance plus … — UK Driving Theory Test

According to The Highway Code, total stopping distance consists of thinking distance plus braking distance. When driving a car at a speed of $20\text{ mph}$ ( $32\text{ km/h}$ ) on a dry road with good tyre and brake conditions, what is the total stopping distance in metres?

Answer: 12 metres

Answer

The total stopping distance is 12 metres.

Under normal, dry conditions as specified in The Highway Code, a car travelling at

20\text{ mph}

(

32\text{ km/h}

) has a thinking distance of

6\text{ metres}

(

20\text{ feet}

) and a braking distance of

6\text{ metres}

(

20\text{ feet}

). Adding these two values together gives a total stopping distance of

12\text{ metres}

(

40\text{ feet}

Step-by-Step Solution

Determine the thinking distance at 20 mph

Thinking distance = 6 metres (20 feet)

The Highway Code defines thinking distance at 20 mph under normal conditions as 6 metres.

Determine the braking distance at 20 mph

Braking distance = 6 metres (20 feet)

The Highway Code defines braking distance on a dry road at 20 mph as 6 metres.

Calculate the total stopping distance by adding thinking distance and braking distance

6 metres + 6 metres = 12 metres (40 feet)

Total stopping distance is always the sum of thinking distance and braking distance.

Key Concept

Total Stopping Distance = Thinking Distance + Braking Distance

Estimated Time:1m 0s

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