I was just wondering how many of you were asked to do an emergency stop during your driving test? So far, I've actually not heard of anyone that's been told to do an E.S - is it not very likely to be asked then?
EDIT: I had my test a few days ago and wasn't asked to do it. Thanks for all the feedback!
Incidentally I had a pupil going for his second test (first with me ) and he had previously been a tester for ABS. On his first test he was asked to do an emergency stop and nearly put the examiner through the windscreen! (This wasn't the reason he failed...)
He had the same examiner on the second test and, unsurprisingly, was not asked to perform an emergency stop...
The emergency stop is the manoeuvre, for lack of a better word, that can save lives.
I've never understood why they only ask 1 in 3 people to do it. It's true that it can save lives so surely everyone should be made to prove they are capable of stopping safely in an emergency?
Also is it right that if you fail to perform the emergency stop correctly then you'll receive a major, thus failing your test overall? Therefore meaning those that are asked to do it have a higher chance of failing than those who aren't?
I haven't been asked to do one yet but I've practised them loads of times so if I do get one on my next test, I'm confident I'll nail it.
I've never understood why they only ask 1 in 3 people to do it.
Time management. When the test was extended in 1999 to include longer routes and more "efficient" testing of manoeuvres, it was decided that doing the emergency stop on every test was a time sink and should be optional. The "1 in 3" occasions it is still tested is to ensure it is still being taught. Unfortunately, as one poster already mentioned, it isn't always. The other consideration for the frequency of emergency stops conducted is a health and safety matter as a lot of examiners were suffering from bad necks and backs from being jolted around 8 times a day - and not just from emergency stops either.
Also is it right that if you fail to perform the emergency stop correctly then you'll receive a major, thus failing your test overall?
Like every other test requirement, an assessment is made. There may be no fault at all, an insignificant fault not worthy of marking, a recordable driver fault, a serious fault or a dangerous fault. So yes, it's possible to fail on it but in reality it doesn't happen often.
Don't forget that it isn't always safe to perform one, depending on the other cars around. I know this from when I was told to practise them - had to abort several attempts when cars were behind!
Don't forget that it isn't always safe to perform one, depending on the other cars around. I know this from when I was told to practise them - had to abort several attempts when cars were behind!
'It isn't always safe to perform an emergency stop' - brilliant tell that to the child you run over at 40mph because there was a car behind you. When performing an emergency stop you don't check what's around you before applying the brakes.
'It isn't always safe to perform an emergency stop' - brilliant tell that to the child you run over at 40mph because there was a car behind you. When performing an emergency stop you don't check what's around you before applying the brakes.
I think what they mean is the examiner won't ask you to perform one if there is a car right behind you.
My instructor said it doesn't matter if you stall the car, the main reason is that you stop. He said this to help me practise, but on the real test will it still be classed as a good stop if you stall the car (so long as it stops)?
My instructor said it doesn't matter if you stall the car, the main reason is that you stop. He said this to help me practise, but on the real test will it still be classed as a good stop if you stall the car (so long as it stops)?
The examiner will want you to react quickly, promptly and stop the car under full control, no skidding if you do skid regain control quickly.
The car should come to a halt with the engine running although not necessarily a fail if you stall, (if you do stall, secure the car and restart the engine).
Once you have stopped the vehicle apply the parking brake and check your mirrors so as to be aware of what is going on behind you, (you may need to put a signal on if another vehicle appears after you have stopped your car). Sit and wait for your next instruction from the examiner.
I would definitely try to practise it so that you can do it without stalling, but it seems that stalling during the activity is not an instant fail, so try not to worry aobut it.
I would definitely try to practise it so that you can do it without stalling, but it seems that stalling during the activity is not an instant fail, so try not to worry aobut it.
Yeah, I'll practise it, but I was just checking
It says about skidding- if the car has ABS it is unlikely that you will skid isn't it?