Washington Written Drivers Permit Practice Test

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Prepare for the Washington Written Drivers Permit Exam with practice tests. Study with flashcards, multiple choice questions, explanations, and hints to get ready for your exam!

Practice this question and more.


If you are driving down a steep downgrade, you should

  1. Shift into a higher gear

  2. Keep the vehicle in neutral

  3. Apply brakes firmly

  4. Shift into a lower gear

The correct answer is: Shift into a lower gear

When driving down a steep downgrade, shifting into a lower gear helps to control your vehicle's speed and reduce the strain on your brakes. This is because a lower gear provides more resistance and helps to slow down your vehicle without applying excessive pressure on the brakes. Shifting into a higher gear or keeping the vehicle in neutral will not help control your speed and can put stress on your engine. Applying the brakes firmly can also cause wear and tear on your brakes and may result in overheating, which could lead to brake failure. Therefore, shifting into a lower gear is the safest and most efficient option when driving down a steep downgrade.