You’re likely to be a little intense with the brake pedal as a learner driver. This is completely normal, and perfecting it requires time and practice.
There’s more to stop than just squeezing the brake pedal. There are many different braking tactics, but just as important as knowing technique is the ability to anticipate events ahead of time.
Predicting and thinking for the road ahead is called anticipation and planning, and a skilled driver who efficiently employs anticipation and preparation while driving uses the brakes less frequently and only in an emergency.
Two key skill sets determine your amount of braking ability. The way you apply pressure to the brake pedal is known as braking technique.
- Observation, anticipation, and planning — what you see around you, what you expect to happen, and how you will prepare for that circumstance before you arrive.
- You won’t be able to accomplish much in terms of observation, anticipation, or planning if you’re just learning to drive. You don’t have to if you don’t want to; your driving teacher will do it for you. Instead, you should first focus on establishing a feel for the car’s brakes and developing braking technique skills. To do so, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of how car brakes operate.
How car brakes work
Progressive Braking
What is progressive braking?
Progressive braking, as opposed to constant braking, is effectively varied braking. It should begin lightly, gradually build in pressure, and end lightly. Progressive braking is a safe driving method that allows you to brake gradually.
- allows for other drivers to react to your actions
- prevents locked wheels
- prevents the car from skidding
- reduces wear on the brakes, tyres, suspension and other mechanical parts
- saves on fuel
- is more comfortable for your passengers
When you master progressive braking, you will have stopped where you planned to stop, the entire braking process will be smooth, and there will be no strong jolt at the end when you come to a stop. Progressive braking does not always imply sluggish braking; in fact, progressive braking is used in emergency situations. The point is that it’s done gradually rather than stomping on the brakes.
Begin on a flat or slightly downhill gradient on a quiet, straight route to achieve this. Don’t set a goal for where you want to stop at first; just develop a feel for the brakes. You’ll have to learn and perfect the progressive braking technique in phases if you want to grasp and master it.