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10 minutes · Guided lesson

Heavy-Vehicle Braking and Space

Understand how mass, speed, slope and conditions affect stopping.

Stopping distance grows quickly

Perception, reaction and braking distance all matter. Added weight, speed, wet surfaces and downhill gradients increase the space required.

Control descents early

Select an appropriate lower gear before the descent. Use the approved braking technique for the vehicle and watch for signs of brake fade or overheating.

Protect your space

Leave a generous following gap and scan far ahead. Early deceleration is safer for the load, passengers and traffic behind.