Stopping distances in the theory test: the Highway Code table and what to learn
Updated •5 min read
At 70 mph the Highway Code's typical overall stopping distance for a car is 96 metres (315 feet), made up of 21 metres thinking distance and 75 metres braking distance. The theory test covers stopping and braking distances, and the official table is the safest thing to learn them from.
The Highway Code table
The Highway Code shows typical stopping distances as a diagram in rule 126 (gov.uk: Highway Code, rules 103 to 158). The figures below are copied from the official diagram (gov.uk: typical stopping distances, PDF).
| Speed | Thinking distance | Braking distance | Overall stopping distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mph (32 km/h) | 6 m | 6 m | 12 m (40 ft) |
| 30 mph (48 km/h) | 9 m | 14 m | 23 m (75 ft) |
| 40 mph (64 km/h) | 12 m | 24 m | 36 m (118 ft) |
| 50 mph (80 km/h) | 15 m | 38 m | 53 m (175 ft) |
| 60 mph (96 km/h) | 18 m | 55 m | 73 m (240 ft) |
| 70 mph (112 km/h) | 21 m | 75 m | 96 m (315 ft) |
The diagram says the distances are a general guide. The real distance depends on your attention (thinking distance), the road surface, the weather and the condition of your vehicle. It uses an average car length of 4 metres (13 feet).
Thinking distance and braking distance
Thinking distance is how far you travel before you start to brake. Braking distance is how far you travel while the brakes slow you to a stop. Overall stopping distance is the two added together. The table shows that both grow with speed, and braking distance grows fastest.
Questions can use either term, so read which one is being asked about before you answer.
What rule 126 says
Rule 126 of the Highway Code makes these points (gov.uk: Highway Code):
- Drive at a speed that lets you stop well within the distance you can see to be clear.
- Leave enough space to pull up safely if the vehicle in front suddenly slows or stops. The safe rule is never to get closer than the overall stopping distance.
- Allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on high-speed roads.
- The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and up to ten times greater on icy roads.
- Large vehicles and motorcycles need a greater distance to stop.
The rule also covers tunnels. In tunnels where visibility is reduced, allow at least a two-second gap, and if you have to stop, leave at least a 5-metre gap from the vehicle in front. For large vehicles in a tunnel, the rule advises a four-second gap.
How stopping distances can come up in the test
The law that sets the car test subjects says the driver must be tested on safe distances and braking distances in different weather and road conditions, and on driving in road tunnels (legislation.gov.uk: Schedule 7). Our theory test topics guide lists the other six areas.
gov.uk does not publish the actual questions or say how many are about stopping distances. What the sources support is this: learn the table, learn the wet and icy rule, and be ready for questions that ask about speed, gaps or weather. We do not claim any particular number of questions.
How to learn it
The Highway Code is one of the three books the questions are based on (gov.uk: revision and practice), so the table above is the version to rely on. Some people find it easier to learn the pattern than the numbers. For example, you can see that the overall distance at 70 mph is roughly eight times the 12 metres at 20 mph. That is our own observation from the table, not an official rule, so check any shortcut against the table before you trust it.
Our revision plan guide shows how to fit topics like this into a schedule.
Check what you remember
Cover the table and try to write the overall distance for each speed. Then take the free theorytest.ai diagnostic to see whether distance and braking questions are a weak spot. theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA.
Frequently asked questions
What is the stopping distance at 70 mph in the Highway Code?
The typical overall stopping distance at 70 mph is 96 metres (315 feet): 21 metres thinking distance plus 75 metres braking distance.
What is the stopping distance at 30 mph?
The Highway Code gives 23 metres (75 feet) overall at 30 mph: 9 metres thinking distance and 14 metres braking distance.
How much further do you need to stop in the wet or ice?
Rule 126 says the gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and up to ten times greater on icy roads.
What is the two-second rule?
Rule 126 says to allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on high-speed roads.
Are stopping distances in the theory test?
Yes. The regulations say the test covers safe distances and braking distances in different weather and road conditions.