How to do it
You need: Your parked car.
Sit in the driver's seat of your parked car with the engine off and the seatbelt on, somewhere safe and off the road.
- Move your foot quickly from the accelerator across to the brake and press down firmly, as you would in an emergency stop.
- Check you can hold the brake down hard without pain or hesitation.
- Turn to look over each shoulder and check all of your mirrors.
- Reach for and use the seatbelt, handbrake, and gearstick to check none of them pull on your wound.
Form cues
- The emergency-stop movement is quick, firm, and pain-free.
- You can turn to check your blind spots without sharp pain or dizziness.
- Fastening and releasing the seatbelt feels comfortable.
Common mistakes
- Driving for real before your surgeon says it is safe and your insurer has confirmed you are covered.
- Testing on a public road instead of practising while parked first.
- Ignoring pain or stiffness that would slow down an emergency stop.
Safety: Stop and message your physio if braking or twisting causes wound pain, or you cannot perform an emergency stop confidently.