Question 15 of 403

You are driving downhill and the vehicle is gaining speed faster than expected. What should you do first?

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Shift to neutral to coast and save fuel
Increase your following distance only, without checking your mirrors or easing off the throttle
Ride the brakes continuously without downshifting
Slow down and downshift before the grade gets steeper, rather than partway down

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Correct answer to question 15 (General Knowledge): Slow down and downshift before the grade gets steeper, rather than partway down

Why

Speed on a downgrade is easiest to control before it builds up; slowing and selecting a lower gear early prevents the runaway speed that riding the brakes alone cannot safely stop.

Updated: November 2026

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You are driving downhill and the vehicle is gaining speed faster than expected. What should you do first?

Why

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