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Northern Ireland theory revision

Stopping Distances.

Thinking distance, braking distance and how speed, weather, tyres and driver condition affect the total distance needed to stop.

50 PureCar practice questionsFree 10-question topic test
Start Stopping Distances testBrowse questions

What you need to know

  • Know the Highway Code figures
  • Understand thinking plus braking distance
  • Wet roads can greatly increase stopping distance
  • Ice can increase it dramatically
  • Tiredness and distraction increase thinking distance

Common mistakes

  • Memorising totals without understanding why they change
  • Thinking ABS removes the need for space
  • Using the same following gap in poor conditions
  • Underestimating the effect of speed

How to revise it

  • Use the visual stopping-distance trainer
  • Practise the figures in random order
  • Connect each figure to a real speed
  • Revise factors that affect thinking and braking separately

Example PureCar questions

Use these as explanations, then take the randomised topic test.

What is the typical overall stopping distance at 20 mph in good conditions?

Answer: 12 metres

The Highway Code typical overall stopping distance at 20 mph is 12 metres.

NI theory practice: What is the typical overall stopping distance at 20 mph in good conditions?

Answer: 12 metres

The Highway Code typical overall stopping distance at 20 mph is 12 metres.

Test your knowledge: What is the typical overall stopping distance at 20 mph in good conditions?

Answer: 12 metres

The Highway Code typical overall stopping distance at 20 mph is 12 metres.

Which answer is safest and correct? What is the typical overall stopping distance at 20 mph in good conditions?

Answer: 12 metres

The Highway Code typical overall stopping distance at 20 mph is 12 metres.

Before your Northern Ireland test, make sure you know this: What is the typical overall stopping distance at 20 mph in good conditions?

Answer: 12 metres

The Highway Code typical overall stopping distance at 20 mph is 12 metres.

What is the typical overall stopping distance at 30 mph in good conditions?

Answer: 23 metres

The Highway Code typical overall stopping distance at 30 mph is 23 metres.

Practice material is independently written by PureCar and linked to Northern Ireland official guidance where appropriate. Checked 21 September 2026.