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Hazard Perception  |  Learn to drive: Expert skills

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In this unit you will learn about the process of applying for a driving licence. This will include what you need to know and be able to do in order to move from a provisional driving licence to a full vehicle driving licence.

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Get your first provisional driving licence for a car, motorbike, moped or other vehicle from DVLA online. To apply you must:

It costs £34 when you apply online.

If you applied for a provisional licence before 1 March 1973 you'll need to use this service to get a new licence.

Before you start

You'll need:

an identity document, such as your passport

addresses where you've lived for up to the last 3 years

You might be asked for additional information, such as your National Insurance number if you know it.

You'll get a confirmation email from DVLA after you've applied.

Your licence should arrive within one week if you apply online. It may take longer if DVLA need to make additional checks.

Cost

It costs £34 to apply online. You can pay by MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card.

When you can drive with a provisional licence

There are different rules depending on your age and the type of vehicle. Check what vehicles you can drive and when before you start to learn.

If you already have a provisional licence

If you already have a provisional licence you can:

Apply by post

Complete form D1 'Application for a driving licence', available from the DVLA form ordering service or most Post Offices.

Send your application to the address on the form, along with a cheque or postal order for £43.

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Apply for your first provisional driving licence

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Apply for your first provisional driving licence from DVLA online to drive a car, motorbike or moped.

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What To Expect On Your First Driving Lesson

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When can you apply for a provisional driving Licence UK?

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When can you apply for a provisional driving Licence UK?

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15 years and 9 months

Overview. You can apply for a provisional driving licence when you're 15 years and 9 months old. You can start driving a car when you're 17. You can drive a car when you are 16 if you get, or have applied for, the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

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Normally, for car drivers, the earliest date your provisional licence can become valid is your 17th birthday. However you can apply for the licence up to two months before your 17th birthday.

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Can I drive alone with a provisional license UK?

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Can I drive alone with a provisional license UK?

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A provisional licence allows you to drive on all UK roads except motorways, but you must be accompanied by a driving instructor, family member or friend who is: Over 21 years old. Qualified to drive the type of vehicle you're learning in. Held a full driving licence for at least three years.

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How long is a provisional license valid UK?

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How long is a provisional license valid UK?

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10 years

Your provisional licence lasts until the day of your 70th birthday, so there is a long time before it actually expires. However, you will need to renew it every 10 years

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Show Me, Tell Me 2020 Driving Test Questions and Answers

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Stopping Distances for Cars - How To Drive

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You can practise both parts of the theory test online.

Multiple-choice questions

You can:

The practice questions aren't used in the real test, but they're based on the same topics as the test.

Hazard perception test

Take a practice hazard perception test. You can practice with 3 test clips for free.

These clips aren't used in the real test, but they show you how the test works.

Other ways to practise

There are apps, software and books available from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency ( DVSA) to help you practise both parts of the test. You can:

You can also buy them from most online and high street book shops.

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Take free official practice theory tests from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for cars, motorcycles, lorries and buses

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Unlimited Theory Test Practice

Congratulations! You're now one step closer to passing your official DVSA theory test. To help you get all the practice you need, we have prepared free mock driving theory tests that mimic the real test. Our questions are very similar (sometimes identical) to those in the official Driving Theory Test. Our mock tests use the same scoring system used by DVSA, which means you'll feel confident when you take the real test. The tests are free, and we don't require you to register.

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Free Theory Test Practice: Questions for 2021 Driving Test

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Congratulations! You're now one step closer to passing your official DVSA theory test. To help you get all the practice you need, we have prepared free mock driving theory tests that mimic the real test. Our questions are very similar (sometimes identical) to those in the official Driving Theory Test.

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About The Driving Theory Test

What is a theory test?

The driving test comprises two parts - the theory test and the practical driving test. The theory test was introduced by the government in order to improve understanding of safe driving. Its role is to establish if you've understood the rules of the road and have a thorough knowledge of driving.

How is the theory test structured?

The theory test itself is made of two parts. The first part consists of 50 multiple-choice questions which tests your knowledge of driving practices. The second part is a video-based hazard perception test which assesses your ability to respond to hazardous situations on the road. Both parts are taken on the same day.

Who sets the theory test?

The driving theory test is administered by the DVSA (Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency), a government agency that provides driver education and sets the theory and practical tests for cars and other vehicles. The DVSA is different to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) which is responsible for keeping a database of drivers and vehicles in the UK and issuing licences. Both of these organisations are governed by the Department of Transport.

Please note, if you're a resident of the Republic of Ireland you will need to sit the Irish theory test.

When can I do my theory test?

You can do your theory test from the age of 17 onwards. You must have a provisional licence to take the test.

Can I do my theory test before taking driving lessons?

Although it is possible to sit the theory test before having any practical driving experience, it is advised that you start your practical lessons first. The content you need to cover for the theory test will make more sense after you have some experience on the road.

Can I sit my practical test before doing my theory test?

No. You must sit and pass your theory test before you're able to do your practical test. The DVSA state that you must take your theory test certificate to the practical test.

What's the theory test pass mark?

How long is a driving theory test?

The whole theory test for car and motorcycle candidates will take about an hour and a half to complete. This consists of:

15 minute practice session before the start of the test (optional)

57 minutes for the multiple-choice section

3 minute break

20 minutes for the hazard perception test (including the introductory video)

The test is longer for HGV/LGV and PCV candidates and will take about two and a half hours to finish:

15 minute practice session before the start of the test (optional)

1 hour 55 minutes for the multiple-choice section

3 minute break

25 minutes for the hazard perception test (including the introductory video)

Multiple-Choice Theory Test

How many questions are there?

There are 50 questions for driving theory test and motorcycle theory test candidates.

LGV and PCV drivers must attempt 100 questions.

What score do I need to pass this part of the test?

You will need 43/50 if you're taking a car or motorcycle theory test.

LGV and PCV candidates need to score 85/100 to pass.

How much time will I get to complete the questions?

If you're a car or motorcycle theory test candidate, you will have 57 minutes to complete the test.

LGV and PCV candidates have up to 1 hour 55 minutes to finish.

How many possible answers are there to each question?

All of the questions will have four answers to choose from listed after the question. One of these is correct and the other three are incorrect. A few years ago, some of the questions may have had more than four options to choose from with several possible correct answers. This has since been changed by the DVSA.

What type of questions will I be asked?

You will be asked knowledge-based questions from a variety of different categories. For car drivers, there are 14 categories which encompass about 900 questions, 50 of which will be randomly chosen to appear in your test. These categories include:

These categories will be slightly different for motorcycle, LGV and PCV candidates. Our practice material covers all of the questions and categories for the different types of vehicles.

What are case studies?

The last five questions of this part of the test will be centred on a case study. This case study will test your understanding and comprehension of a real-life driving scenario.

The case study will appear on the left-hand side of the screen and the accompanying questions will appear on the right side. The case study may have a picture or diagram to complement the text. You will have the opportunity to re-read the case study as you respond to each of the questions.

Below is an example of the type of case study you will encounter during your test:

What does the computer screen look like?

Below is an example of how a multiple-choice question will appear during your test:

Keep in mind the following features:

Only one question will appear on the screen at a time. The question and answers will be clear and easy to read. Some questions may be accompanied by an image. Answers to some questions may also be in the form of an image.

There will be four answers to choose from. Select your chosen answer by clicking or touching the box next to the answer. If you need to change your answer, click or touch the box next to the answer and select another option. If the answers are in image format like in the example above, simply click or touch the image.

The time you have left will be displayed on the top-right corner of the screen. You will be alerted when you have 5 minutes left. There should be ample time to complete all the questions and check over them. If you have special needs, you may be granted extra time but you will need to notify the DVSA of your condition upon booking your test.

You can cycle through the questions using the Previous and Next If you try to move to the next question without having given an answer, you will be alerted.

If you're not sure of a question, you can 'flag' it by clicking the Flag This will allow you to return to the question at a later stage to choose or change an answer, time permitting.

The Review Screen button gives a summary showing the number of questions you have answered, the number of questions you have left unanswered and the number of questions you have flagged. You can revisit these questions via this screen. You can also finish the test session before the time is up by clicking the End A diagram of the review screen is below:

All of our practice theory tests come with a "Test View" function which resembles the real test.

Can I practice before the test?

Before the start of the test, you will be given a 15-minute optional practice session allowing you to familiarise yourself with the format of the test and the navigation system. You will be given 5 practice questions to do. During this period, you may seek assistance from members of staff at the driving theory test centre if need be.

Hazard Perception Test

What is the hazard perception test?

The hazard perception test is the second part of the theory test and is a series of CGI video clips with the aim of assessing your ability to recognize developing hazards on the road. The test demonstrates your knowledge of potential risks associated with driving. This includes risks to you as a driver, risks to your passengers and risks to other road users.

Why do I need to take the hazard perception test?

The test was introduced by the DVSA in 2002 with the aim of ensuring that new drivers have a certain level of hazard awareness before taking to the roads. Newly qualified drivers are more likely to be involved in road traffic collisions in comparison to their more experienced counterparts, as a result of a lack of hazard awareness. In fact, learner drivers and new drivers are up to two seconds slower at identifying hazards than more experienced drivers. This is partly because they spend more time thinking about using the car's controls and less time focusing on what's going on around them. Studies have shown that the hazard perception test has successfully helped to reduce the number of accidents in the first year of driving.

How does the hazard perception test work?

Read more about the hazard perception test and how it works on our hazard perception test page. Consider signing up for an account for full access to our hazard perception video library.

Theory Test Preparation

How should I prepare for my driving theory test?

The best way to prepare for the multiple-choice part of the theory test is to practice our theory test revision questions and answers. The mock tests featured on our website encompass everything you will need to know for your test. We have also put together mock tests that contain questions specific to each of the 14 driving theory test categories. Keep attempting these mock tests until you gain a good understanding of the questions and are able to pass each time.

As well as theorytest.org.uk, there are other valuable resources which will aid you in your theory test revision. These are:

The Official Highway Code - the theory test gets its questions from the Highway Code; you need to be familiar with it before your tests. Although quite a lengthy read, you should buy a copy and revisit it when you need to. We also have an online version on this website.

Know your Traffic Signs - one of the lengthiest categories and one that candidates don't generally do so well in is road signs. If you can, buy a copy. It will help you with your theory test revision and come of use later on in your driving career when you come across unfamiliar road signs.

When should I start studying for my theory test?

You should give yourself plenty of time to study and familiarise yourself with the driving theory test questions and answers before booking your theory test. There is a large amount to cover so ideally you will want to do small amounts over a longer space of time rather than cram it in at the last minute. Although people's learning abilities vary, you should start your preparation at least a few weeks before you book your test. Remember, if there's anything you're unsure about, ask your driving instructor.

Do I have to learn all the questions and answers?

You don't need to learn the entire bank of practice questions and answers. In fact, it would be quite hard to learn them all - there are over 900. The key is to understand the basics of driving and safety and apply this knowledge to the questions you come across. You will find that you can work out the vast majority of them. Many can also be answered by just applying a little common sense. There are some questions, however, which you will need to memorise. Questions relating to stopping distances are one such example.

Is the theory test hard?

This is a fairly common question. The national pass rate is about 50% which would suggest that the driving theory test is quite difficult. You can increase your chances of passing by preparing and revising sufficiently. The hazard perception test is often considered the more difficult of the two parts of the theory test but despite this, preparation for this section is oftentimes overlooked, leading to people failing the section and failing the theory test as a whole. Remember, you need to pass both parts of the theory test so you should spend generous amounts of time preparing for them both.

How should I prepare for the hazard perception test?

The hazard perception test is harder to prepare for than the multiple-choice section because you won't be able to practice with the real video clips that will be used during your test. This is because the whole idea of the hazard perception element of the theory test is to see how fast you can identify and react to hazards you haven't seen before. If you have already seen the videos and identified the hazards beforehand, the test won't be of much use. With that being said, we have received reports of individuals coming across some of the videos we have in our hazard perception video library in their actual tests.

The best way to prepare for the hazard perception test is to practice with as many video clips as possible. We have a number of CGI clips and real-life videos in our library which will help you to prepare sufficiently. Your driving instructor should also be able to help you learn hazard perception skills and can give you plenty of practice in what to look out for when driving, how to anticipate hazards and what action to take when having to deal with different types of hazards. For this reason, it is important that you take driving lessons with a qualified driving instructor from a reputable driving school.

Are there any trick questions in the theory test?

No. The test hasn't been designed to catch you out. Just make sure you read the question properly and select the most logical answer.

Theory Test Booking

How do I book my theory test?

You can book your driving theory test at the government website www.gov.uk/book-theory-test. Before you start you will need the following to hand:

your UK driving licence number

a credit or debit card

an e-mail address (if you don't have access to one, you will need to call DVSA theory test booking support and make your appointment over the phone).

Residents of Northern Ireland need to book their test at the following website: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/book-change-or-cancel-your-theory-test-online.

You should be able to get a test time and date in the following two weeks. You should receive an e-mail confirming the details of your booking shortly after making your application along with a booking reference number.

Warning: Beware of unofficial driving theory test booking websites. Ensure the website you're using has .gov.uk in the web address.

If you would prefer to book by phone, the number to call is 0300 200 1122. Phone lines are open from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Your appointment letter should arrive in the post within 10 days of making the booking.

How much does a driving theory test cost to book?

Car and motorcycle theory tests cost £23.

LGV and PCV theory tests cost £26 for the multiple-choice section, £11 for the hazard perception test and £23 for the case studies section.

English is not my first language. Can I do my theory test in a different language?

Candidates can only take the test in English or Welsh. Foreign language voiceovers or interpreters cannot be used.

Before April 2014, candidates were able to sit the theory test in 21 different languages including Arabic and Urdu.

If you're a Northern Ireland resident click here for more details.

Where can I sit my theory test?

There are over 150 theory test centres in England, Scotland and Wales, and six in Northern Ireland. Find out what your nearest theory test centre is by asking your driving instructor or by entering your post code here.

When can I do my theory test?

When booking your test, you will be able to select a time and a date of your choosing. Most theory test centres are open on weekdays and some also operate on evenings and Saturdays.

I have a health condition. Can I get extra support?

If you have a reading difficulty such as dyslexia, a disability or a health condition, you need to contact the DVSA before booking your test to discuss your options. See the government website for more details.

I haven't received confirmation of my booking. What should I do?

If you have booked online, you should receive an e-mail shortly after scheduling the test. Check your spam folder if you can't see a confirmation e-mail in your inbox. If you've booked over the phone, your confirmation letter should be within you within 10 days. Contact the DVSA customer service number on 0300 200 1122 if you haven't received confirmation of your test.

How do I change my driving theory test appointment?

You can change your driving theory test appointment online at https://www.gov.uk/change-theory-test. You can use this service to find an earlier date, move your appointment to a later date or change your test centre. Alternatively, call DVSA customer support on 0300 200 1122 from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.

Changes must be made at least 3 clear working days before your test date or you'll have to make another payment. Sundays and public holidays aren't considered working days.

Changes made at short notice are only permitted in the following scenarios:

If you have an illness or injury and are able to provide medical evidence

If you're dealing with a bereavement

If your theory test appointment clashes with a school exam

In these instances, you may rebook your test at no extra charge although you won't be issued with a refund.

How do I cancel my theory test appointment?

If you want to cancel your theory test appointment altogether you can do so online at https://www.gov.uk/cancel-theory-test. Alternatively, call DVSA customer support on 0300 200 1122 from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.

Cancellations must be made at least 3 clear working days before the date of the test in order to receive a full refund. Sundays and public holidays aren't considered working days.

Theory Test Centre

When should I arrive at the test centre?

You should arrive at the test centre at least 15 minutes before your theory test is due to begin. This will give you enough time to sign in and take your seat.

What should I take to the test centre?

You must take you photocard provisional driving licence with you. You will need to give this to a member of staff so they can sign you in.

What happens before the test starts?

After you have signed in, you'll be given access to a locker where you can store your mobile phone (which must be switched off) and other belongings. You will then be shown a document stating the rules and regulations of the test. Once you've read and understood this, you'll give it back to a member of staff. You will then be ushered to the exam room where your provisional licence will be checked by the administrator before you can take a seat at a computer that has been assigned to you.

What's the computer like?

Once you're at your desk, your computer will be turned on and you will be logged in. The computer is like any other computer and is easy to use. Before the start of the test, there is an optional 15-minute practice session. You will be given 5 practice questions to complete. You're advised to make use of this practice session to get used to your environment, the computer and the navigation system.

How long will I be at the test centre for?

If you're a car or motorcycle candidate, you will be at the theory test centre for about two hours in total. You will spend:

15 minutes before the start of the test signing in and getting ready

15 minutes doing a practice session (optional)

57 minutes to complete the multiple-choice part of the test

3 minutes taking a break

20 minutes to complete the hazard perception test

10 minutes waiting for your result

How should I approach the test?

Keep calm and relax - on the day of the test, do what makes you feel relaxed such as going for a walk before the test. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the test centre. Use the bathroom beforehand if you need to.

Make use of the practice session - before the start of your test, ensure you make use of the practice session. You will have 15 minutes to familiarise yourself with the layout of the computer screen and to clarify anything you're unsure about with members of staff.

Take your time - you have almost one hour to get through all 50 questions; this is enough time to answer every question and have enough time at the end to check over them. Read each question carefully and double-check your answers.

Don't take too much time - with that being said, don't spend too much time on a question. If you've spent 5 minutes on one question, that's probably way too much. You should try to spend a maximum of one minute on each question. If you're unsure about a question, flag it and come back to it later on.

Read the question carefully - read the question more than once to clarify in your mind what it's asking. Try to think of the answer before you look at the options. If the answer you've thought of is listed in the options, chances are it's correct.

Narrow down your options - if you're not sure of the answer to a question, rule out the options that are blatantly incorrect. This will give you more of a chance of choosing the right answer.

Guess if you're not sure - if you don't know the answer to a question, take a guess - you have a 25% chance of getting the right answer and you don't get marked down for an incorrect answer. Remember, you're allowed 7 incorrect answers so don't worry too much if you come across a question you don't know the answer to.

Check over your answers - you should have some time at the end of the test to review your answers. Cycle through the questions from the beginning, read the questions again and double-check your answers. Try to make full use of the time you've got.

After the Driving Theory Test

What happens after the test?

Once you have completed the hazard perception test, you will need to get up and go to the reception desk. You will be asked to hand over your photocard provisional licence so your results can be retrieved. You should receive your result within 10 minutes.

I passed! Now what?

If you pass your test, congratulations! You will receive a theory test certificate from the test centre. You will need this to book your practical driving test.

How long does the theory test certificate last?

The theory test certificate lasts for two years from the date of issue. You need to book and pass your practical driving test within these two years. If you haven't passed your driving test in this period of time, you will have to book and take your driving theory test again.

I failed. What should I do now?

If you failed your theory test, don't get too disheartened about it! You now know what to expect so you should be able to pass next time. Make sure you prepare effectively for your next attempt, especially in those areas in which you might have struggled. You will need to wait three working days before you can resit the theory test.

I lost my theory test certificate. What should I do?

You need your theory test pass certificate number to book your driving test or to change your driving test appointment. If you've lost your theory test certificate, you can retrieve your certificate number and apply for a replacement letter from the government website. You'll need your driving licence number to hand.

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Theory Test Practice Online 2023 - FREE UK Driving Theory & Hazard Perception

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Practice Driving Theory Test Online. Revise for your DVSA test from 1000s of questions & Hazard Perception Test videos in 2023.

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Take this free hazard perception test practice. It lets you see how the test works. We recommend that you use the DVSA revision study materials below. This free test contains 6 clips, but we recommend you use the full test to give yourself the best chance of passing.

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Take this free hazard perception test practice. It lets you see how the test works. We recommend that you use the DVSA revision study materials below. This free test contains 6 clips, but we recommend you use the full test to give yourself the best chance of passing.

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Hazard Perception test | Safe Driving for Life

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Get prepared for your hazard perception test with our fantastic free CGI clips. Great for revision and practice!

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How To Find A Good Driving Instructor Near You

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Produce information about how to become a vehicle driver in an appropriate format, such as a poster, leaflet or short presentation:
• Procedures to follow when preparing to become a vehicle driver
• Key aspects of the Highway Code • Pre-use safety checks and reasons for carrying them out
• Housekeeping practices when carrying out pre-use safety checks

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Reverse Bay Parking Manoeuvre Made Easy | Driving Tutorial

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Practice theory test- record your results.

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Carry out a hazard perception test and record your results.

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Produce a leaflet or poster:
• Safe working practices when carrying out pre-use checks.
• Hazards and risks associated with pre-use checks, e.g. slip and trip hazards, falling objects, chemicals, flammable liquids, electric shock.

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Procedures to follow when preparing to become a vehicle driver and key aspects of the Highway Code

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Procedures to follow when preparing to become a vehicle driver and key aspects of the Highway Code

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• Driving licence application and the Highway Code  organisations and legal requirements, e.g. organisation that processes licence applications, government departments, age when a person can apply, types of licence for different vehicles, stages of the application process o content of driving theory test and practical driving test o driving instruction and locating test centers.
Process of booking a driving test, content of the test, purpose of the Highway Code, requirements of the Highway Code for vulnerable users e.g. pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists and motor cyclists, passengers, learner drivers, rules relating to signs giving orders, signs giving warnings and directions, lights and signals, aspects of the Highway Code concerning level crossings and tramways, implications of not adhering to the Highway Code.

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Research costs to buy your first car, consider insurance etc.
Produce a document to show your findings.

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We're all sometimes guilty of driving too fast for the conditions and too close to other cars. (Although we hate it when it happens to us. Tailgating is the top peeve of drivers, according to our Member surveys.)

But to be a safe driver, it's important to understand stopping distances. Whether you're studying for your theory test or you passed years ago, it's worth revising.

Leaving enough distance between you and the car in front will:

Give you a better view of the road ahead.

Let you react and stop in time if cars ahead suddenly brake.

Help with fuel economy - you'll drive more smoothly and won't be braking every time the car in front slows down.

Read on to learn how much stopping distance you should leave.

What is stopping distance?

Stopping distance is the time that it takes to bring a moving car to a complete stop. This includes

The time it takes you to react to the hazard (thinking distance), and

The time it takes for the brakes to stop the car (braking distance)

You can calculate it with this stopping distance formula:
Stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance
How much stopping distance should I leave?

When driving, you should leave enough clear distance in front of you to be able to come to a stop. This is in case the traffic suddenly slows down, causing you to brake.

However, stopping distances vary depending on factors like the weather and your driving speed.

The stopping distance will increase the faster you drive and the wetter the road is. It also takes time to process what's happening before you start braking.

The Highway Code shows this by splitting the typical stopping distance up into thinking distance and braking distance. You'll need to remember the distances for your theory test.

The distances are based on the average car length in the UK and assume the road is dry.

Stopping distances at different speeds

The stopping distance at 20mph is around 3 car lengths. At 50mph it's around 13 car lengths. If you're travelling at 70mph, the stopping distance will be more like 24 car lengths.

What is thinking distance?

This is the distance your car travels between you spotting a hazard and starting to brake.

If the car in front slams on their brakes, then no matter how hard you try, you won't be able to brake immediately. It'll take you time (and distance) to react to what's happening, decide to brake, and then hit the pedal.

The Highway Code bases its thinking distances on a thinking time of just under 0.7 seconds. The faster you're going, the further you'll travel in that time.

The thinking distance at 50mph is 15m, nearly the length of 2 London buses. At 70mph, the thinking distance will be about 21m.

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What can affect thinking distance?

Besides your speed, other factors can affect your reaction time too:

1. Drugs and alcohol

Drinking and taking drugs both slow down your reaction time.

Slower reactions increase the distance covered before you react to danger ahead.

2. Distractions

If you're not completely focused on the road ahead then it'll take you longer to react.

Sat-navs, mobile phones and other in-car tech can distract drivers.

It's illegal to hold a mobile to call or text while driving. But even a hands-free call can take your mind off the road.

Talking to passengers and fiddling with the radio or heating can also divide your attention.

3. Tiredness

What is braking distance?

This is the distance your car will travel once you hit the brakes before it comes to a complete stop.

For the same car under the same conditions, the braking distance will increase as your speed goes up. That's why the Highway Code gives typical braking distances for a range of speeds.

The braking distance at 50mph is 38m - almost twice as long as a cricket pitch. The braking distance at 70mph is a huge 75m, which is about 9 London buses.

What can affect braking distances?

You should leave at least the recommended distance when driving a well-maintained car with good road and weather conditions. However, many factors can increase braking distance:

1. Brakes:

The condition of the car's brakes will affect braking distance, so keep them in good working order.

ABS brakes won't significantly reduce braking distance (they can actually increase it on snow or gravel). But they do allow you to keep control and steer while braking.

Worn suspension will increase the distance, as weight transfer while braking affects performance.

2. Tyres

Different tyres have different wet and dry grip depending on their tread pattern and the rubber used.

All new tyres include a wet grip rating on the label, which goes from A (best) to G (worst).

Tests have shown that tyres with only 3mm of tread travel about a third further before stopping than new tyres. So check your tyre tread to make sure they're not too worn.

Braking is also affected by tyre pressure. Both under- and over-inflation will increase braking distance.

3. Weather conditions

If the road is wet or icy, this will significantly increase braking distances.

Double the gap between your car and the car in front when it's wet.

Leave an even bigger gap if it's icy - some advice says 10 times bigger.

4. Road conditions

5. Weight

The braking distance will also increase if the car is heavier.

The 2-second rule

The 2-second rule is a good rough guide to check that you're leaving enough stopping distance. Here's how it works:

Choose a fixed point on the road ahead.

Watch when the vehicle in front of you passes that point.

Make sure it's at least 2 seconds or more before you pass the same fixed point.

That way, you're probably keeping a safe distance.

This is a good rule of thumb for car stopping distances in dry conditions, but if it's wet you should double the gap to 4 seconds.

Remember that it's only a rough guide and there's a margin for error. At lower speeds, 2 seconds will see you further back than the Highway Code stopping distances. But at higher speeds, you'll be considerably closer.

Do stopping distances need to be updated?

Theory tests have used the same stopping distances for decades, even though cars and their brakes are more advanced now.

Some people think we should reduce stopping distances to account for the improvements. Others say we should increase them because drivers face more distractions these days.

Either way, these guidelines have proved effective so far. And there's no sign of them changing anytime soon.

Published: 11 Aug 2017 | Updated: 23 Jan 2020

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We're all sometimes guilty of driving too fast for the conditions and too close to other cars. (Although we hate it when it happens to us. Tailgating is the top peeve of drivers, according to our Member surveys.) But to be a safe driver, it's important to understand stopping distances.

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UK Driving Theory Test 2021 - Stopping distances explained

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Do you really know your speed limits and stopping distances? We have thirty theory test questions based on the official DVSA test and the Highway Code. Do you know what the speed limit is on a single carriageway? What is the stopping distance at 30mph? You must get at least 86% (26 out of 30) of the questions correct to pass.

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Free speed limits & stopping distances theory test

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Do you really know your speed limits and stopping distances? We have thirty theory test questions based on the official DVSA test and the Highway Code. Do you know what the speed limit is on a single carriageway? What is the stopping distance at 30mph?

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Car Driving School Simulator is one of the most realistic car games available on mobile! In this feature-packed game you will test your skills driving awesome cars and learn useful traffic rules along the way!

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The Highway Code is essential reading for all road users, including pedestrians, mobility scooter users, cyclists, horse riders, drivers and motorcyclists.

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The Highway Code is essential reading for all road users, including pedestrians, mobility scooter users, cyclists, horse riders, drivers and motorcyclists.