10.75. You are driving downhill on a mountain road. For the purpose of saving fuel, is it allowed to switch off the gear while driving on this road?
UAВи рухаєтесь на спуск з гірської дороги. З метою економії палива можна під час руху по цій дорозі вимкнути передачу ?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning safety on mountain roads and steep descents, where a vehicle quickly gains speed and any mistakes in driving can have serious consequences. The topic is important for the theoretical exam because it checks the understanding of how to properly control speed and maintain the handling of the vehicle in challenging road conditions.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding driving on mountain roads (paragraph 28.3, subparagraph "a"). According to the traffic rules, it is prohibited to drive on such sections with the engine off, as well as with the clutch or gear disengaged. This means that the idea of "saving fuel" by coasting with the gear disengaged contradicts the Traffic Rules and creates additional risk.
The logic of the answers is simple: the "Yes" option is incorrect because disengaging the gear on a descent deprives the car of engine braking, forces the driver to use the service brakes almost constantly, and increases the risk of their overheating and loss of effectiveness. The "No" option is correct, as on a mountain descent you must drive with a gear engaged (often a lower one) to steadily restrain speed and maintain control of the vehicle, which directly corresponds to the requirements of paragraph 28.3(a) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.
Clause 28.3 (subclause "a")
On mountain roads and steep descents, it is prohibited: "a) to drive with the engine off, with the clutch or gear disengaged."
This clause directly prohibits disengaging the gear (as well as driving with the clutch disengaged or with the engine off) while descending a mountain road, regardless of the motive (including "fuel economy"), as it impairs controllability and the effectiveness of engine braking.
Therefore, the correct answer is "No.", since according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, it is prohibited to drive with the gear disengaged on mountain roads and steep descents.
When driving downhill on a mountain road, the driver must not only control the speed but also maintain full control of the vehicle. In such conditions, a safe driving mode is ensured, in particular, by the engine operating together with an engaged gear.
Clause 28.3(a) of the Traffic Rules establishes a prohibition on mountain roads against driving with the engine off, as well as with the clutch or gear disengaged. That is, intentionally switching the vehicle to "coasting" mode on a descent (when the gear is disengaged) is not allowed regardless of the reason, even if the driver does it "to save fuel."
The practical meaning of this prohibition is simple: on a descent, the vehicle quickly gains speed, and if the gear is disengaged, engine braking is lost. Then the driver is forced to control the speed almost exclusively with the service brakes, which on a long descent can lead to their overheating and a sharp decrease in braking efficiency. Engaging a lower gear allows for more stable and safer speed control.
Therefore, the correct answer is "No," because on mountain roads the Traffic Rules prohibit driving with the gear (or clutch) disengaged and require maintaining speed control, in particular through engine braking.