Braking
Remember
Safe, smooth, and controlled braking is essential for good driving. Always aim to slow down gradually and progressively rather than braking sharply.
Anticipation
Good anticipation is the key to smooth braking.
By looking well ahead and reading the road early, you can often avoid harsh braking altogether.
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Proper anticipation gives you time to brake gently over a longer distance.
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Late, hard braking shows poor observation and reduces your safety margin.
Braking and Steering
When you brake, the weight of the vehicle shifts forward, which can make steering less effective.
To maintain control:
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Brake in a straight line whenever possible.
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Avoid braking sharply while turning, as it can lead to a skid.
When braking, always consider:
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The comfort and safety of your passengers and other road users
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Wear and tear on your brakes, tyres, and suspension
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The braking capability of vehicles behind you — they may not be able to stop as quickly
Remember:
The faster you’re travelling, the harder it is to control your vehicle and the longer it will take to stop.
Braking on Bends
Braking on a bend shifts your vehicle’s weight forward and outward. This increases pressure on the outer front tyre, raising the risk of a skid.
To reduce the risk:
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Brake before entering a bend, not while turning.
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Be especially cautious on loose, wet, or uneven surfaces.
Thinking Ahead
Plan well ahead to avoid the need for sudden braking. Maintain safe distances and adjust your speed to road conditions. Always use your mirrors before slowing down.
Consider how the following factors affect braking distance and control:
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Your reaction time
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Vehicle size, weight, and load
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Gradient of the road
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Road camber or bends
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Weather and visibility
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Road surface condition – wet, icy, loose, or uneven surfaces greatly increase stopping distances
The Five Rules of Good Braking
Anticipate – Think and look well ahead.
Know your limits – Understand your abilities and your vehicle’s performance.
Assess the road – Be alert to changing surface conditions.
Brake progressively – Allow time and distance to slow down smoothly.
Avoid skidding – Prevention is safer than trying to correct a skid.
Defensive Driving
If another vehicle is following too closely, slow down gradually to increase the space ahead. This gives you more room to brake gently and reduces the chance of being hit from behind.
Stopping
The stopping procedure is always the same, except in emergencies. Learn this sequence thoroughly.
How firmly you press the brake depends on your speed and how quickly you need to stop.
Normal Stopping Routine
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Use your mirrors – Check behind before braking.
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Signal if necessary to warn others.
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Ease off the accelerator – Let the engine begin slowing the car.
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Apply the brake smoothly – Press lightly at first, then more firmly.
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Press the clutch just before the car stops to prevent stalling.
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Ease off brake pressure as the vehicle comes to a halt.
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Apply the parking brake and select neutral.
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Release the pedals once stationary.
You don’t always need to change down through the gears while stopping normally — you can brake in the gear you’re in. Just ensure the car is in the correct gear for your speed before moving again.
Progressive Braking
Progressive braking allows for smooth, efficient, and predictable deceleration. It helps other drivers react safely and prevents skidding.
Benefits include:
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More time for others to respond
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Less risk of skidding
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Reduced wear on brakes, tyres, and suspension
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Improved fuel efficiency
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Greater comfort for passengers
Technique:
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Begin with light pressure on the brake.
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Gradually increase the pressure as you slow down.
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Ease off pressure as the car comes to a stop for a smooth finish.
Practice Tip:
Use a quiet road. Choose a fixed point to stop at and see how close you can stop without overshooting.
Practise stopping close to the kerb while maintaining full steering control.