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DVA report 6.0–6.2

Emergency Stop on the Northern Ireland driving test

The emergency stop tests whether you can bring the vehicle to a controlled stop promptly when instructed.

What the examiner is assessing

Braking should be firm and controlled while keeping the vehicle stable. After stopping, you must regain awareness before moving away.

The category does not determine the grade by itself.A mistake can be recorded differently depending on the circumstances, repetition and level of risk. One serious or dangerous fault fails the test, while 16 or more driving faults also results in a fail.

Examples of weaknesses in this area

These examples are for understanding and practice; they are not a promise that a particular mistake will always receive a particular grade.

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Reacting too slowly to the examiner’s signal.

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Losing directional control or moving away again without full observations.

How to improve before the next test

  1. Practise with an instructor in a suitable safe location.
  2. After each stop, pause and rebuild all-round observation before moving.

Turn the report into practice

Related practice guide

Work directly on the driving skill most closely connected to this report area.

Open practice guide →

Build an Improvement Plan

Add this category alongside the other marks from your report.

Create plan →

Mock Practical Test

Track faults during a supervised practice drive.

Start mock →

Other report categories

1.0 Eyesight Test 1.2 Vehicle Safety Questions 2.0 Ancillary Controls 3.0 Precautions 4.0–4.7 Control 5.0–5.2 Move Away 7.0–7.2 Reverse to the Left or Right 8.0–8.2 Turn in the Road 9.0–9.2 Reverse Parking
Reviewed against official Northern Ireland guidanceInformation checked 21 September 2026.
Official source ↗