Let’s be real—few moments during your driving test are as heart-racing as the emergency stop. One second you’re cruising along, the next your examiner suddenly says, “Stop!” and your brain has to kick into superhero mode. No warning. No prep. Just brake.
Sounds dramatic? That’s kind of the point.
But don’t sweat it. The emergency stop is less about catching you off guard and more about testing your ability to stay cool under pressure.
And the best part? With a bit of know-how and a sprinkle of practice, you can absolutely nail it—without freaking out. Especially if you’ve trained through a fast track driving course in London, where reacting quickly becomes second nature.
So What Exactly Is an Emergency Stop?
Think of it as a simulated real-life hazard. A child runs into the road. A car suddenly swerves in front of you. This manoeuvre checks whether you can react quickly and safely.
During the driving test, the examiner might ask you to perform it—though it’s not always guaranteed. According to the DVSA, only about 1 in 3 learners are asked to do it. Still, it’s better to be prepared and not need it than to be caught off guard and flub the moment.
When and Why It’s Tested?
If the examiner chooses to include it, they’ll usually warn you in advance. Something like, “I’ll ask you to stop the car as if a child had run into the road. Don’t worry about mirrors, just stop promptly and safely.”
This is where your instincts meet your training. They want to see:
- Quick reaction time
- Strong, controlled braking
- Confidence under stress
If you’re going through a 1 week intensive driving course in London, this manoeuvre will likely be drilled into you until it feels second nature. And trust me—you’ll be grateful for that muscle memory.
How to Do It Like a Pro?
- Stay Alert, Keep your ears peeled. The examiner will say “Stop!” and raise their hand. That’s your cue.
- Brake Hard, Brake Smart Slam your foot on the brake—firmly but not like you’re launching the pedal into orbit. You want the car to stop fast, not fly.
- Clutch In (Manual Drivers, Take Note!) Hit the clutch just before you fully stop to avoid stalling.
- Keep Both Hands on the Wheel It sounds obvious, but under pressure? Many people slip up. Grip tight, stay in control.
- Handbrake + Neutral Once you’re stopped, pull the handbrake and shift to neutral. Then… breathe.
- Wait for Instructions Don’t move until your examiner says so. Use this time to mentally reset and pat yourself on the back.
If you’ve signed up for a fast track driving course in London, this entire sequence will be part of your daily drills—making it feel less like a panic move and more like a reflex.
Rookie Mistakes? Let’s Dodge Those
Here’s where most learners trip up:
- Too slow to brake – hesitation is your enemy.
- Too soft on the pedal – gentle stops aren’t what they’re looking for here.
- Forgetting the clutch – that awkward stall? Big no-no.
- Looking around – not needed. In an emergency, you just stop. Period.
- Jumping to drive off – patience, grasshopper. Always wait for the examiner.
Stay Cool, Don’t Let Panic Drive
Want to stop freaking out? Practice. A lot. Not just in lessons, but mentally. Visualise it. Say the steps out loud while you’re brushing your teeth
And if you’re the type who wants to get test-ready yesterday, a 1 week intensive driving course in London or fast track driving course will drill this into your DNA.
At LIDT, We Turn Nerves into Confidence—Fast
We know how intimidating the emergency stop can feel, especially under exam pressure. That’s why our Fast track driving course in London is designed to prepare you for moments like these—without the panic. With expert instructors, personalised coaching, and real-world practice, we help learners stay cool, calm, and test-ready.
Want to master your driving skills in record time? Let’s hit the road together—book your course today!