The emergency stop is requested on approximately one in three driving tests. While you cannot predict whether yours will include one, being prepared for it is essential. Here is where examiners near Forest Hill typically perform this exercise and exactly how to handle it.
How the Emergency Stop Works
The examiner will explain the exercise before it happens. They will say something like: "Shortly I'm going to ask you to stop as if in an emergency. When I raise my hand and say stop, I want you to stop as quickly and safely as possible." They will then raise their right hand and say "Stop!" when conditions are safe.
You need to react quickly, brake firmly, and bring the car to a controlled stop without skidding or losing control. After stopping, you will secure the car and move off again when safe.
Where Examiners Perform Emergency Stops
Examiners choose locations that are safe for this exercise. They look for:
- Straight, flat roads with good visibility
- No vehicles following closely behind
- No junctions or pedestrian crossings nearby
- Dry road surface when possible
- Quiet residential streets with minimal traffic
1. Torridon Road, Hither Green
The long, straight sections of Torridon Road make it a popular choice for emergency stops on Hither Green routes.
Why examiners choose it:
- Long straight stretch with excellent forward visibility
- Wide road giving a safety margin
- Speed bumps naturally keep your speed low beforehand
- Residential setting with generally light traffic
Our tip: The speed bumps mean you will likely be travelling at around 20mph when the examiner calls the stop. At this speed, the stopping distance is short. Focus on a firm, progressive brake application rather than stamping on the pedal.
2. Manor Lane, Hither Green
Another wide residential street frequently used for this exercise, particularly on routes heading towards Mountsfield Park.
Why examiners choose it:
- Good visibility with few obstructions
- Wide enough for the car to stop safely without blocking the road entirely
- Low traffic volume during test hours
- Flat road surface providing consistent braking conditions
Our tip: Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times on these streets. The examiner may call the stop at any moment, and having both hands ready ensures you can brake and steer simultaneously if needed.
3. Ladywell Road Area (Lewisham Routes)
The quieter sections of Ladywell Road and surrounding streets are used for emergency stops on Lewisham test routes.
Why examiners choose it:
- Residential area with predictable traffic patterns
- Good road surface and clear sight lines
- Away from the busy Lewisham High Street
- Flat terrain ensuring consistent braking
Our tip: The examiner will check behind before calling the stop, but you should also be aware of following traffic through your mirrors. This awareness shows excellent driving skills and will impress the examiner.
4. Crofton Park Residential Streets
Quiet streets in the Crofton Park area, such as Doggett Road or Manwood Road, are occasionally used.
Why examiners choose it:
- Very quiet with almost no through traffic
- Straight roads with clear sight lines
- Well-maintained road surfaces
- No distractions from shops or busy junctions
Our tip: On very quiet streets, it is easy to become complacent. Ensure you are driving centrally in the available road space. This gives you the maximum margin on both sides when you brake suddenly.
5. Hither Green Lane Residential Area
Streets off Hither Green Lane provide suitable locations, particularly Fernbrook Road and surrounding streets.
Why examiners choose it:
- Typical residential setting with parked cars but clear driving lanes
- Good forward visibility between parked vehicles
- Low speed environment reducing stopping distances
- Multiple straight sections to choose from
Our tip: With parked cars on both sides, ensure you are driving centrally in the available road space. This gives you the maximum margin on both sides when you brake suddenly.
Emergency Stop Technique: Step by Step
- React immediately: As soon as the examiner says "Stop" and raises their hand, move your right foot from the accelerator to the brake
- Brake firmly: Press the brake pedal firmly and progressively. Modern cars have ABS so you can brake hard without the wheels locking
- Press the clutch: Just before the car stops, press the clutch to prevent stalling. Do not press the clutch first as this removes engine braking
- Keep both hands on the wheel: Maintain steering control throughout the stop
- Secure the car: Once stopped, apply the handbrake and select neutral
- Prepare to move off: The examiner will ask you to drive on when ready. Check all mirrors and blind spots before moving off
Common Emergency Stop Mistakes
- Pressing clutch first: This is called "coasting" and removes engine braking, increasing stopping distance
- Not braking hard enough: This is an emergency, so brake firmly. A gentle stop suggests you would not react quickly enough in a real emergency
- Forgetting observations when moving off: After the stop, you must do full observations before driving away. Many learners forget this in the moment
- Swerving: Keep the steering wheel straight. Only steer if there is an actual obstacle
- Panicking: Stay calm. The examiner has checked it is safe. Trust the process and focus on technique
What About Wet Roads?
If your test is on a wet day, the examiner will still perform the emergency stop if selected, but they will choose an even safer location. On wet roads:
- ABS may activate, causing a pulsing feeling through the brake pedal. This is normal
- Stopping distances are longer, so the examiner accounts for this
- Keep both hands firmly on the wheel as the car may pull slightly
- Do not pump the brakes. Modern ABS does this automatically
Practise Until It Becomes Instinct
At Forest Hill Driving School, we practise emergency stops on these exact roads so the technique becomes automatic. When the examiner calls the stop, your body should react before your brain has time to overthink it. Book a lesson with us and we will make sure you are ready for anything on test day.