Driving Reaction Test
Test your braking reflexes and discover your "brain age"
Driving Reaction Test
Click or press SPACE to start driving
About Driving Reaction Test
The driving reaction test simulates braking for an unexpected stop sign. Unlike abstract tests, this puts your reaction in a relatable context—you're driving, and suddenly you need to brake.
This test also estimates your 'brain age' based on reaction time research. Reaction speed naturally peaks in your early 20s and gradually slows with age.
Driving Reaction Time by Age
Research shows average driving reaction time increases with age: ~190ms in your 20s, ~210ms in your 30s, ~230ms in your 40s, and ~250ms+ in your 50s and beyond.
However, regular practice can offset age-related slowing. A fit, practiced 50-year-old can match or beat an unpracticed 25-year-old.
Driving Speed and Reaction Time
At 40 mph, you travel 59 feet per second. At 60 mph, it's 88 feet per second. A 250ms reaction time means traveling 22 feet at 60 mph before you even start braking.
Avoid distractions—texting and mobile phone use can add 300ms+ to reaction time. Drunk driving impairs reaction time by 15-25%. Stay alert for safe driving.
Driving Reaction Time Benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is driving reaction time?
Driving reaction time is how quickly you respond to hazards while driving—from seeing a stop sign or obstacle to pressing the brake. The average human driving reaction time is 200-300ms, but factors like age, fatigue, and distractions significantly affect it.
What is the average driving reaction time by age?
Average driving reaction time varies by age: teens ~180ms, 20s ~190-200ms (peak performance), 30s ~210-220ms, 40s ~230-250ms, 50s+ ~260-300ms. Regular practice can help maintain faster reaction times at any age.
What is the driving reaction time formula?
Reaction distance = Speed Ă— Reaction time. At 40 mph (59 ft/s), a 250ms reaction time means 14.75 feet traveled before braking. At 60 mph (88 ft/s), it's 22 feet. Total stopping distance = reaction distance + braking distance.
How to improve driving reaction time?
Practice reaction tests regularly, get adequate sleep (7-9 hours), stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and drowsy driving, minimize distractions, and maintain good physical fitness. Professional drivers practice reaction drills to maintain sharp reflexes.
How does texting affect driving reaction time?
Texting and mobile phone use while driving adds 300-400ms to reaction time—equivalent to driving blind for 30+ feet at highway speeds. Distracted driving reaction time is similar to drunk driving impairment levels.
What is drunk driving reaction time?
Alcohol impairs driving reaction time by 15-25% or more. A sober driver with 200ms reaction time might have 250-300ms when impaired. Combined with reduced judgment and coordination, this dramatically increases accident risk.
What reaction time does F1 driver have?
F1 drivers have exceptional reaction times of 100-150ms, far faster than average humans. They achieve this through intensive training, peak physical fitness, and thousands of hours of practice. Their brake reaction time is among the fastest measured.
How accurate is the brain age estimate?
The brain age estimate is based on population averages from reaction time research. Individual variation is significant—factors like fitness, sleep, and practice matter more than chronological age. Treat it as a fun benchmark, not a medical diagnosis.