How long do I have to stop at a stop sign?

[terceldude]

Hello,
I need your input ASAP, please! I have my Driver's Road Test this Saturday and I feel OK with it, except how long to stop at a stop sign. How long do I stop at one? 12 or 20 seconds before I creep up to get a better view of the traffic? I'm nervous of the state trooper. Please answer this before Friday. Thank you.

[neonsport]

You stop fully, which means the wheels stop rotating at all. There's no set time you have to remain stopped at the stop sign, but don't be in too big a hurry.

If you wait 12 or 20 seconds before creeping up to get a better lok at traffic, the trooper will likely fail you for impeding traffic. In fact, if there's good visibility at the intersection (as there likely will be on the test route), you shouldn't have to inch up to get a better look at traffic after stopping.

[terceldude]

So 12 seconds is the minimum required time to stop? Thank you for responding ASAP.

[terceldude]

Any input, please?

[MootsMan]

TercelDude......RELAX !!!! lay off the coffee the morning of your test, for sure !! Seriously, though, here in TN, there's not a set time to remain stopped....just use common sense....LOOK BOTH , no, actually ALL ways, and then look again, before you proceed into the intersection, AFTER you've made sure there's no oncoming traffic, and if there is, that you have the right of way, and the other drivers are going to STOP !!

Good Luck !!

[neonsport]

So 12 seconds is the minimum required time to stop? Thank you for responding ASAP.

What I said is that there's no set time for a stop, the key is to come to a full stop.

12 seconds was what you said in your first post. I pointed out that if you stop for that long, you'll likely fail your driver's test.

[Ogedei]

I was always told that if you feel the roll back that occurs at the end of the stop then you are clear. If momentum is still pushing the body forward regardless of the wheels you could get bit. wait for the body to settle

[ARCHINSTL]

terceldude -
What is the rule as set forth in the "Handbook for the Test", which I would imagine MA issues for first-time drivers?
I would think most, if not all, states simply require that a full stop be attained. neonsport's answers probably apply to most, if not all, states.
The correct answer could also be obtained by simply calling the testing office or the State Highway Patrol - anonymously if need be, to allay fears of telephone tracing...
Tom M.

[T-Bone]

12 seconds wow, i always thought that once you stop moving you can start going after 3 seconds.

[takza]

In my world all that is required is one nanosecond. In the real world maybe 2-3 secs minimum?

Main thing is to LOOK BOTH WAYS...takes a few seconds at least.

[MootsMan]

So, T-dude, did you pass your test ????

[neonsport]

So, T-dude, did you pass your test ????

He's not taking the test till tomorrow...

[terceldude]

Hello,
I'll let you guys know if I pass the exam and we can have a celebration if I do. So I guess I'll stop for at least 2-5 seconds, then check both ways and again. Thank you. Neonsport, who told you that there was no set time to stop at the stop sign? Thank you.

[neonsport]

I've been driving for 25 years, and have covered over 700,000 miles. I've taken the driving test in 4 states, and my father was a police officer for 17 years. There's no set amount of time you have to stop at a stop sign.

[ARCHINSTL]

Wow -
After reading neonsport's last answer, I just realized something - as of this year, I will have been driving for 50 years.
And to think there was a time when I did not trust anyone over 30, as the saying went...
Perspective does have a way of making things seem relative...
Tom M.
P.S. The "Look both ways" advice would seem to be key.