Revision question · Band 2 traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians, mechanical knowledge

You're driving down a steep hill. Why could keeping the clutch down or selecting neutral for too long be dangerous?

Revision material from the imported DVSA bank includes source-checked Lanekind learning corrections. These corrections are not newly issued official examination questions, and practice does not reproduce a live test paper.

Answer options

Your power steering will fail

Your vehicle will pick up speed

Your engine will be damaged

Your front tyres will wear very quickly

Show the answer

Your vehicle will pick up speedThis was the right answer

Driving in neutral or with the clutch down for long periods is known as 'coasting'. If you do this on a steep downhill gradient, there will be no engine braking to help check your speed.

Reviewed reading for this question

Rule 122Highway Code rule · A suitable lower gear contributes engine braking on a descent; prolonged clutch-down or neutral coasting removes that help and reduces control.

Loading the questions