The Brake Pedal

Any amount of pressure on the brake will eventually stop the car, but the amount you’ll need depends on:

1. How fast the car is moving

2. How quickly you need to slow down or stop

Where you might get confused:

• Some people also think that the brake has something to do with the engine or gearbox.
  
• The right foot operates the gas as well as the brake pedal. So you might think they work in the same way.
  

The reality:

This pedal is connected only to the wheels and brake lights, so when you press it, the brake pads put resistance directly onto the wheels and this is what slows down and eventually stops the car. That's why it feels different to the gas pedal.

Progressive Braking:

The harder braking would be needed more in the middle stages to get rid of most of your speed. As you feel the car about to stop, it's time to use less pressure. The slower the car is moving, the less pressure you need to stop the car smoothly. This is because by then, the car’s body has less forward energy.

Recap:

Progressive braking means...

1. Brake gently to start with.
   
2. Increase the pressure to slow right down.
   
3. Ease back some pressure just before you stop.
   

More driving advice on driving can also be found here: