Revision question · Band 2 traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians, mechanical knowledge

On which road surface can ABS lengthen stopping distance compared with locked-wheel braking?

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.

Answer options

A dry surface

A loose surface

A firm surface

A good surface

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A loose surfaceThis was the right answer

On loose gravel or a similar deformable surface, material can build in front of a locked tyre, while ABS keeps the wheel rotating to preserve steering control. Tests have therefore measured longer ABS stops on loose gravel. Do not disable ABS or deliberately lock the wheels: reduce speed, allow more room, follow the vehicle handbook and do not assume ABS shortens stopping distance.

Reviewed reading for this question

Rule 119Highway Code rule · The original ABS lamp was inspected. Firm sustained emergency pressure preserves steering by preventing lock; the corrected loose-surface and aquaplaning lessons do not promise shorter stops or missing grip.Rule 120Highway Code rule · The original ABS lamp was inspected. Firm sustained emergency pressure preserves steering by preventing lock; the corrected loose-surface and aquaplaning lessons do not promise shorter stops or missing grip.

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