UK Driving Theory Practice Exam 2025 - Free Driving Theory Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct stopping distance at 50 mph in ideal conditions is 53 meters. This figure is essential for drivers to understand as it combines both the thinking distance and the braking distance.

At 50 mph, the vehicle travels approximately 22.35 meters in a single second before the driver even reacts to a hazard, which constitutes the thinking distance. The braking distance, under ideal conditions, can often be calculated using established guidelines that involve both speed and the road surface.

In ideal conditions, it takes significantly longer to come to a complete stop because of the sheer momentum at that speed. In total, when factoring in both the thinking distance and the braking distance together, the stopping distance sums to about 53 meters. This distance is crucial for safe driving, allowing a driver to stop without colliding into obstacles or hazards that may arise suddenly on the road. Understanding this stopping distance is vital for maintaining appropriate following distances and ensuring adequate reactions to unexpected situations while driving.