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QuestionsSafe and Responsible Driving › Question 48 of 420

How should a driver manage a steep descent in snow or frosty weather?

  1. A.Engage a higher gear than normal in order to avoid wheel-spin.
  2. B.Keep the clutch depressed and use gentle braking.
  3. C.Engage a lower gear early and use gentle braking applications to keep the speed down.
  4. D.Always keep close to the left and use short, sharp brake applications to keep the speed down.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. Engage a lower gear early and use gentle braking applications to keep the speed down.

In snow or ice, a vehicle takes longer to stop. Before starting a steep descent in a large vehicle, the driver should reduce speed and select a lower gear, brake gently and only when needed. If the vehicle is fitted with a manually selectable retarder, engage it before starting the descent.

This is an official-style question from the Safe and Responsible Driving topic of the Ireland driver theory test (Cat. B). Practise all 807 questions free on iTest.ie — with timed mock exams, automatic mistake tracking and progress sync across devices.

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