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Car study notes

Safety Margins

Stopping distances, braking in rain or ice, and the two-second rule.

What this topic covers

Stopping distances, braking in rain or ice, and the two-second rule. The full Car Driving Theory Test app contains 34 questions on this topic.

In the app's syllabus: Stopping distances, Road surfaces, Skidding, Weather conditions.

Worked examples

Here are a few practice questions from this topic. Try answering each before reading the explanation.

Example 1

You're driving a vehicle that has an anti-lock braking system (ABS). How should you apply the footbrake when you need to stop in an emergency?

A. Rapidly and firmly ✓ correct
B. Rapidly and gently
C. Slowly but firmly
D. Slowly and gently

Explanation: You may have to stop in an emergency due to a misjudgement by another driver or a hazard arising suddenly, such as a child running out into the road. If your vehicle has ABS, you should apply the brakes immediately and keep them firmly applied until you stop.

Example 2

You're about to go down a steep hill. What should you do to control the speed of your vehicle?

A. Select a low gear and avoid using the brakes
B. Select a low gear and use the brakes carefully ✓ correct
C. Select a high gear and use the brakes firmly
D. Select a high gear and use the brakes carefully

Explanation: When driving down a steep hill, gravity will cause your vehicle to speed up. This will make it more difficult for you to stop. To help keep your vehicle's speed under control, select a lower gear to give you more engine braking and make careful use of the brakes.

Example 3

On what type of road surface may anti-lock brakes be ineffective?

A. Smooth
B. Firm
C. Loose ✓ correct
D. Dry

Explanation: Poor contact with the road surface could cause one or more of the tyres to lose grip on the road. This is more likely to happen when braking in poor weather conditions and when the road has a loose, slippery or uneven surface.

Example 4

What's the main benefit of driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle?

A. Improved passenger comfort
B. Shorter stopping distances
C. Lower fuel consumption
D. Improved grip on the road ✓ correct

Explanation: By driving all 4 wheels, the vehicle has maximum grip on the road. This grip is especially helpful when travelling on slippery or uneven surfaces. However, having four-wheel drive does not replace the skills you need to drive safely.

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More Car study notes

Get all 34 questions on this topic in the Car Driving Theory Test app.