Circuit skills
Class 2B Emergency Braking: How to Stop Fast and Straight
How to do the Class 2B emergency brake in Singapore: approach speed, using both brakes progressively, keeping the bike straight and avoiding a skid or stall.
The emergency brake checks that you can stop quickly and in a straight line when something goes wrong ahead. It is the most important real-world skill on the circuit: a hard, controlled stop is what keeps you out of the back of a car.
The technique
- Approach at the speed your instructor sets, in a straight line, with your eyes looking well ahead.
- Brake at the signal or marker. React as soon as you see it. Hesitation adds metres to the stop.
- Squeeze the front brake progressively. Pull firmly but not in one snatch. The first moment of braking shifts weight onto the front tyre, which then grips harder, so you can squeeze harder as you slow.
- Press the rear brake firmly at the same time.
- Pull the clutch in as the bike slows so the engine does not stall.
- Keep the bike straight and your eyes up. Look ahead, not down at the front wheel.
- Put your left foot down when stopped, keeping the rear brake on.
Common mistakes
- Grabbing the front brake. A sudden snatch can lock the front wheel. Squeeze, do not grab.
- Rear brake only. The stop is far too long. Most of your braking power is at the front.
- Forgetting the clutch. The bike stalls and jerks at the end.
- Looking down. The bike wanders. Keep your eyes on the horizon.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use both brakes for the emergency stop?
Yes. The front brake does most of the stopping, so squeeze it firmly and progressively while also pressing the rear brake.
What happens if the wheel locks during emergency braking?
A locked wheel means you braked too suddenly. Release the brake slightly and reapply. Skidding or losing control is a serious fault in the test.