Revision question · Safety margins

On which type of road surface may anti-lock brakes be less effective at minimising stopping distance?

Revision material from the imported DVSA bank includes source-checked Lanekind learning corrections. These corrections are not newly issued official examination questions, and practice does not reproduce a live test paper.

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LooseThis was the right answer

On loose gravel or similar surfaces, ABS can produce a longer stopping distance than locked wheels, even though it helps preserve steering control. That does not mean the brakes have failed or that you should disable ABS. Reduce speed and allow extra distance; no braking system can create missing tyre grip.

Reviewed reading for this question

Rule 120Highway Code rule · The research describes reduced stopping-distance benefit on loose surfaces; the question’s word ineffective must not be read as total brake failure.ABS on loose surfacesReviewed guidance summary · The research describes reduced stopping-distance benefit on loose surfaces; the question’s word ineffective must not be read as total brake failure.

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