--- title: "In what circumstance will you feel the effect… | Theory Test" description: "In what circumstance will you feel the effects of engine braking? The correct answer is “When selecting a lower gear”. 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Engine braking occurs when the resistance within the engine helps slow the vehicle down as you ease off the accelerator. Selecting a lower gear increases this resistance because the engine turns faster relative to the wheels, helping you control your speed without overusing the footbrake, particularly on steep downhill stretches. Neutral disconnects the engine from the wheels completely, removing engine braking, while higher gears provide much less resistance." }, "suggestedAnswer": [ { "@type": "Answer", "text": "When the parking brake is used" }, { "@type": "Answer", "text": "When in neutral" }, { "@type": "Answer", "text": "When selecting a higher gear" } ] } } ] --- Get an exclusive 15% off - Offer ends next week! 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DVSA-style practice question · Vehicle Handling ## The answer options - When the parking brake is used - When in neutral - When selecting a higher gear - When selecting a lower gear**Correct** ## Why that is the answer Engine braking occurs when the resistance within the engine helps slow the vehicle down as you ease off the accelerator. Selecting a lower gear increases this resistance because the engine turns faster relative to the wheels, helping you control your speed without overusing the footbrake, particularly on steep downhill stretches. Neutral disconnects the engine from the wheels completely, removing engine braking, while higher gears provide much less resistance. ## 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. [Practise Vehicle Handling](/theory/quiz/vehicle-handling)[Sit a full mock test](/theory/mock-test) ## More vehicle handling questions - [A lot of snow has fallen recently. When driving in these conditions, what are some things to think about?](/theory/questions/a-lot-of-snow-has-fallen-recently-when-driving-in-these-conditions-what-are-some-things-to) - [After fog has cleared, it can be dangerous to leave your rear fog lights switched on. 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