Why should you not hold down the clutch or cruise in neutral for extended periods of time?

Why that is the answer

Coasting, which is driving in neutral or with the clutch pressed down, reduces your control over the vehicle. Disconnecting the engine from the driven wheels removes engine braking, making it harder to slow down safely and accurately. It can also affect steering and leaves you unable to accelerate quickly if a hazard appears. The Highway Code advises against coasting because modern engines do not save fuel this way and overall safety is compromised.

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 can you regulate your speed with the engine of your car?
• How should you deal with this hazard?