Definition
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) is an active safety system that detects lateral skidding (understeer or oversteer) and corrects it by braking individual wheels and, if needed, reducing engine power. Its goal is to keep the vehicle on the driver's intended path.
Key facts
- Mandatory on all cars sold in the EU since November 2014.
- Significantly reduces loss-of-control crashes.
- If the ESP indicator flashes while driving, the system is intervening — slow down and steer smoothly.
Practice real questions on this topic
Free DGT 2026 test with official questions and explanations. No signup.
More glossary terms
- Reflector (catadioptric)— Passive reflective device that bounces incoming light back t…
- Conventional road— Interurban road that is not a motorway, dual carriageway or …
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)— Electronic device that prevents the wheels from locking up d…
- Reversible lane— Lane whose direction of travel can change according to time …
- Safe following distance— Gap a driver must keep from the vehicle in front to stop wit…
- Blood alcohol limit— Concentration of alcohol in blood or exhaled air, expressed …
- Blind spot— Area around a vehicle that the driver cannot see using the m…
- Adaptive lights— Headlight system that adapts beam shape or intensity to road…