28.6. When driving on mountain roads, the driver of a vehicle must:
UAПід час руху по гірських дорогах водій транспортного засобу повинен:
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning safety on mountain roads, where it is especially important not to lose control over speed and handling, particularly on long descents. In such conditions, coasting increases risks: the car gains speed more quickly, and all the load falls on the service brakes, which can overheat and lose effectiveness. That is why this topic regularly appears on the theoretical exam and checks basic understanding of safe driving rules.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding driving in mountainous areas, specifically the requirements of paragraph 28.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine. This paragraph directly prohibits driving with the engine off and with the clutch or gear disengaged, that is, it effectively forbids coasting without the transmission engaged. From this, the correct principle logically follows: when driving on mountain roads, you must ensure the engine is running and not disengage the clutch or gear, in order to maintain stable control and be able to brake with the engine.
The analysis of the options in the ticket is straightforward: an answer mentioning only a running engine is incomplete, as it does not eliminate the risk of driving in neutral or with the transmission disengaged. The option with the wording "clutch or gear" also does not meet the requirement for a safe mode on a descent, since disengaging either element effectively deprives the driver of the engine braking effect. The practical meaning of the traffic rule here is to avoid overheating the braking mechanisms on descents and to maintain a reserve of effective braking for dangerous situations.
Clause 28.3
On mountain roads, it is prohibited to: a) drive with the engine off and the clutch or gear disengaged; b) tow with a flexible coupling; c) perform any towing during icy conditions.
This clause directly establishes a prohibition on coasting on mountain roads (with the engine off and/or with the clutch or gear disengaged), therefore while driving, the driver must ensure the engine is running and not disengage the clutch or gear.
Thus, the correct answer is "Drive with the engine running, clutch and gear engaged," given that according to the Traffic Rules, it is expressly forbidden to drive on mountain roads with the engine off and the clutch or gear disengaged.
When driving on a mountain road, it is important for the driver to constantly maintain full control over the vehicle's speed, especially on descents. On such sections, the vehicle can quickly gain speed due to gravity, and any loss of control or delay in braking creates an increased risk.
This is why clause 28.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine establishes a prohibition on driving on mountain roads with the engine off, as well as with the clutch or gear disengaged. This means that the driver is not allowed to coast in neutral or with the transmission disconnected, since in this mode the vehicle is less controllable and the main load is placed on the service brakes.
The practical meaning of this requirement is simple: when the engine is running and a gear is engaged, the vehicle is braked not only by the braking mechanisms but also by the engine. For example, during a long descent, an engaged gear helps restrain speed, which reduces brake overheating and preserves their effectiveness for situations when braking needs to be sharp or frequent.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Drive with the engine running, clutch and gear engaged," since the Traffic Rules prohibit driving on mountain roads with the engine, clutch, or gear disengaged, in order not to lose speed control and to maintain braking effectiveness.