Should You Tap the Brake When Going Straight Through an Intersection?
2 Answers
For the third subject of the driving test, you need to tap the brake when going straight through an intersection. Going straight through an intersection: When you see an intersection ahead, follow the traffic lights if there are any, or adhere to safety principles if there are none. In both cases, you should tap the brake in advance to slow down, then proceed when the light turns green or it is confirmed safe to do so. Turning left or right at an intersection: For left or right turns, or where gear requirements vary by region, it is always correct to tap the brake to slow down before entering the turn. Passing through a crosswalk: When you see a crosswalk ahead, whether or not there are pedestrians crossing, you must press the brake to reduce speed. On flat roads with light traffic: If the speed is above 30km/h and only a brief brake application is needed, simply lightly tap the brake pedal without pressing the clutch pedal.
I've thought about this for a long time. The main purpose of lightly tapping the brakes when going straight through an intersection is for peace of mind, especially during rainy slippery conditions or when visibility is poor at night. A gentle brake tap can help us check blind spots for suddenly appearing pedestrians or e-bikes. But it's important to brake lightly without causing the car to lurch forward, otherwise rear-end collisions become more likely. If the speed is already sufficiently reduced or the intersection is particularly clear, skipping the brake tap is perfectly fine. The key is to adapt flexibly—keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel while maintaining observation is far more practical than just focusing on braking.
