Replace this panel with the corrected stopping-distance graphic.
What Is Stopping Distance?
Stopping distance is the total distance your vehicle travels from the moment you recognise a hazard until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
It is made up of two separate parts: thinking distance and braking distance.
Both distances increase as speed rises. Braking distance increases especially quickly because the vehicle carries much more energy at higher speeds.
Thinking Distance Plus Braking Distance
The vehicle continues moving while the driver notices the hazard, decides what to do and begins braking. It then travels further while the brakes slow it to a complete stop.
Highway Code Stopping Distances
These are typical stopping distances for a vehicle travelling in good conditions with an alert driver and properly maintained brakes and tyres.
| Speed | Thinking distance | Braking distance | Total stopping distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mph | 6 metres 20 feet |
6 metres 20 feet |
12 metres 40 feet |
| 30 mph | 9 metres 30 feet |
14 metres 45 feet |
23 metres 75 feet |
| 40 mph | 12 metres 40 feet |
24 metres 80 feet |
36 metres 120 feet |
| 50 mph | 15 metres 50 feet |
38 metres 125 feet |
53 metres 175 feet |
| 60 mph | 18 metres 60 feet |
55 metres 180 feet |
73 metres 240 feet |
| 70 mph | 21 metres 70 feet |
75 metres 245 feet |
96 metres 315 feet |
The actual distance can be much longer when the driver is tired, distracted or affected by alcohol, drugs or medication, or when the road, weather, tyres or brakes are poor.
Why Does Stopping Distance Increase So Quickly?
Thinking distance rises because the vehicle travels further during the driver’s reaction time. Braking distance rises even more sharply because a faster vehicle carries much more energy that the brakes and tyres must remove.
What Increases Thinking Distance?
Thinking distance depends on how quickly the driver notices a hazard, understands the risk and begins braking.
Tiredness
Fatigue can slow reactions, reduce concentration and make hazards easier to miss.
Distraction
Phones, passengers, controls and anything that takes attention away from the road can delay the response.
Alcohol and drugs
Alcohol, illegal drugs and some medicines can affect judgement, awareness and reaction time.
Poor observation
Looking too close to the vehicle or failing to scan properly can reduce the time available to respond.
Higher speed
The faster the vehicle is travelling, the further it moves before the driver can begin braking.
Stress or strong emotion
Anger, anxiety or rushing can affect concentration and decision-making.
What Increases Braking Distance?
Braking distance depends on the grip between the tyres and the road, the condition of the vehicle and how much speed must be removed.
How Do Wet, Icy and Snowy Roads Affect Stopping Distance?
Water, ice and snow reduce the grip available between the tyres and the road. This means braking must begin earlier and steering or braking inputs should be smoother.
In wet conditions, stopping distances can be at least twice those expected on a dry road. On snow or ice, the distance can become much longer.
Increase the gap from the vehicle ahead, reduce speed and avoid harsh braking wherever possible.
Replace this panel with a weather or road-condition graphic.
What Is the Two-Second Rule?
On high-speed roads and in tunnels where visibility is reduced, allow at least a two-second gap between your vehicle and the vehicle in front in dry conditions.
Choose a fixed point such as a sign, bridge or road marking. When the vehicle ahead passes it, begin counting. Your vehicle should not reach the same point until at least two seconds have passed.
Ease off the accelerator and create a larger gap. Do not brake sharply simply to correct the distance unless the traffic situation requires it.
How Can You Remember Stopping Distances?
The Highway Code figures are easiest to learn as a sequence rather than six separate facts.
Start with the speed and total distance. Once those are secure, add the separate thinking and braking figures. Practise them in mixed order so you recognise the answer rather than only reciting the sequence.
Stopping-Distance Questions in the Theory Test
Questions may ask for a typical stopping distance, the difference between thinking and braking distance, or how weather and driver condition affect the distance needed.
Learn the official figures, but also understand the reasons behind them. That makes it easier to answer questions that are worded in a different way.
Stopping Distance FAQs
What is stopping distance?
Stopping distance is the total distance travelled from the moment the driver recognises a hazard until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. It includes thinking distance and braking distance.
What is thinking distance?
Thinking distance is the distance the vehicle travels while the driver notices the hazard, reacts and begins applying the brakes.
What is braking distance?
Braking distance is the distance the vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until the vehicle stops completely.
What is the typical stopping distance at 30 mph?
The Highway Code typical total stopping distance at 30 mph is 23 metres, or approximately 75 feet, in good conditions.
What is the typical stopping distance at 70 mph?
The Highway Code typical total stopping distance at 70 mph is 96 metres, or approximately 315 feet, in good conditions.
How much longer is stopping distance on a wet road?
Stopping distances can be at least twice as long on wet roads as they are on dry roads, so drivers should reduce speed and leave a much larger gap.
How much longer is stopping distance on ice?
On icy roads, stopping distances can be up to ten times longer than on dry roads. Drivers should use a much lower speed and leave a greatly increased following distance.
What is the two-second rule?
The two-second rule is a way of checking the gap to the vehicle ahead. Choose a fixed point and make sure at least two seconds pass before your vehicle reaches the same point in dry conditions.
Build Safer Speed and Following-Distance Skills
Learn how to judge safe gaps, plan ahead and control speed confidently with professional manual or automatic driving lessons.