The answer options
- Change to a higher gear
- Change to neutral
- Change to reverse gear
- Change to a lower gearCorrect
Why that is the answer
Changing to a lower gear increases engine braking, which uses the engine's resistance to help control and slow down the vehicle. This is particularly useful when descending steep hills to prevent the footbrake from overheating. Selecting neutral removes engine braking completely, causing the car to coast and reducing your control. A higher gear provides less engine braking, allowing the vehicle to gather speed faster. The Highway Code advises using engine braking to maintain control.
How this comes up in the real test
Questions from vehicle handling appear throughout the 50-question multiple-choice section, and the wording changes between versions. Learn the rule rather than the sentence: the DVSA can ask the same point from the opposite direction, and a memorised answer falls over the moment the phrasing moves.
The pass mark is 43 out of 50, so seven wrong answers is your entire margin. If a whole category is shaky, run the topic practice below until you are getting every question right for the right reason, then go back to full mocks under the clock.
More vehicle handling questions
- A lot of snow has fallen recently. When driving in these conditions, what are some things to think about?
- After fog has cleared, it can be dangerous to leave your rear fog lights switched on. What is the reason for this?
- What colour are the reflective studs along the left-hand edge of the motorway?
- During the day, when should dipped headlight be used?
- How should you deal with this hazard?
- How should you respond when presented with this hazard?