Driving Formulas
Key distance formulas for the German driving theory exam
Formula Reference
Reaction Distance
(speed / 10) x 3 meters
Braking Distance (normal)
(speed / 10)² meters
Braking Distance (emergency)
(speed / 10)² / 2 meters
Stopping Distance
reaction distance + braking distance
Following Distance
speed / 2 meters
Wet Road
braking distance x 2
Interactive Calculator
Reaction
15.0 m
Braking
25.0 m
Stopping
40.0 m
Following
25.0 m
Distance Comparison at 50 km/h
Practice Problems
1You are driving at 100 km/h on a dry road. What is your total stopping distance with normal braking?
2At 50 km/h on a wet road, what is your braking distance with emergency braking?
3What is the safe following distance at 80 km/h?
4You are driving at 120 km/h and perform emergency braking on a dry road. How far do you travel before stopping completely?
5Compare the stopping distances at 50 km/h and 100 km/h (normal braking, dry road). How much longer is it at 100 km/h?