The invention relates to a method and a device for assisting a driver of a vehicle, said vehicle having an engine and a braking system, an accelerator that conveys the driver's wishes concerning acceleration to the engine, and a brake pedal that conveys the driver's wishes concerneing retardation to the braking system. In accordance with the method a speed profile is determined for the driving distance, which speed profile comprises a relation between a speed set point and position. Furthermore, the engine and the braking system are controlled on the basis of the speed profile and at least one actuator influences the accelerator or braking pedal of the vehicle in accordance with said control. The driver is permitted to override the influence of the actuator only if a force that is greater than a predetermined threshold value is applied on one of the pedals.