“You may have to do an emergency stop during your driving test. It is included in 1 out of three* of all driving tests taken. The examiner will ask you to pull up in a safe place and then explain the emergency stop procedure right. The signal given will be a raised hand. This signal is used so it can’t be confused with any other movement, for example The Examiner putting a hand on the dashboard.
Stop as soon as the signal is given, braking firmly and remembering that the mirrors are a low priority. Stopping the car is the main priority.
After stopping, apply the handbrake and select neutral and wait for the examiner to give further instruction. Take care when moving off. It is easy to forget the all round observation when doing this manoeuvre.
On your driving test, you will not have to do the emergency stop more than once.
The key points are
– The emergency stop is included in one in three of all driving tests
– The Examiner will explain the procedure to you
– The examiner’s hand signal cannot be confused with any other signal
– After stopping secure the car and wait for the examiner’s instruction
– Remember your all around observation before moving off”
*As of the 24th November 2025, it is one out of seven driving tests taken.
