What is total stopping distance?
Total stopping distance is perception distance plus reaction distance plus braking distance. Your vehicle moves during all three times. Perception and reaction each take about three-quarters of a second.
What is braking distance?
Braking distance is how far your vehicle travels after you apply the brakes, until it stops.
Safe drivingQuestion 167 of 235
Practice question
Which distances add up to the total stopping distance?
- Following distance, reaction distance and braking distance.
- Reaction distance and braking distance only.
- Perception distance and braking distance only.
- Perception distance, reaction distance and braking distance.
Show answer
Correct answer: Perception distance, reaction distance and braking distance.
The total stopping distance has three parts. You travel a distance while you see the danger, while you react, and while the brakes work.
Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026