In short The examiner pulls you over and explains the signal, usually raising a hand and saying "stop". They check it is safe behind before giving it. React quickly, brake firmly and progressively, keep both hands on the wheel and keep the car straight. In a manual, press the clutch just before the car stops. Afterwards, secure the car, then look all round, including both blind spots, before moving off.
Updated 9 November 2026 · Source: GOV.UK car driving test guidance, checked 9 November 2026
How it works on the test
The examiner asks you to pull over, explains what they will do and when, then asks you to drive on. When they give the signal, stop as quickly and safely as you can. You do not need to check your mirrors first: the examiner checks behind before giving the signal.
The stop
- React straight away when you hear and see the signal.
- Brake firmly and progressively: hard enough to stop quickly, without locking the wheels. Cars with ABS let you keep steering under full braking, so keep your foot down.
- Keep both hands on the wheel and the car straight.
- In a manual, press the clutch down just before the car stops so it does not stall.
- Once stopped, apply the parking brake and select neutral (or park in an automatic).
The Driving Test Routes app has an emergency stop drill that times your reaction and checks how firmly and smoothly you stop
Moving off again
This is where many faults happen. You have stopped in the middle of the road, so look all round, including both blind spots, before moving off, and wait for traffic to pass.
Common faults
- A slow reaction to the signal.
- Braking too gently, or so hard that the car skids or swerves.
- Taking a hand off the wheel or stalling (in a manual).
- Moving off without looking all round, especially over the right shoulder.
Frequently asked questions
Is the emergency stop on every driving test?
No, only on some tests. Practise it anyway so it is not new on the day.
Should I check my mirrors before an emergency stop?
No. The examiner checks behind before giving the signal, and you need to stop straight away.
Do I have to do an emergency stop if I am pregnant?
You can take the test at any stage of pregnancy, but you must be able and willing to do an emergency stop.
What if I stall during the emergency stop?
Stalling in a manual is usually a driving fault. Make the car safe, restart, look all round and move off when it is safe.
Read next
Practise on the roads around your test centre
The Driving Test Routes app turns your phone into a practice coach for the practical test.
- Practice routes around UK test centres, with voice directions
- Mock tests that score the drive and list the faults to work on
- All 21 show me tell me questions, with photos of each control
- An emergency stop drill that times your reaction