Steep hill downwards sign

What it means

The road ahead goes steeply downhill. Slow down before the descent and choose a gear that helps you keep your speed under control.

The percentage is the gradient. A 10% hill is equivalent to 1:10, and the official example shows 10%.

Plates may be used with the sign, for example telling you to use a low gear or to try your brakes before going down. A similar sign shows a steep hill upwards.

Rules to know

• Steep hill downwards: 10% is equivalent to 1:10.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 12

• Plates such as 'Try your brakes' may be used with steep hill signs before a descent.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 12

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Starting the descent too fast and relying on the brakes.

  Instead: Slow down before you go over the top, and use a lower gear, as the plates with the sign may advise.

Test yourself

Recalling the answer helps it stick. Pick an answer to see how you did.

Question 1 of 1

What does this sign mean?

• AWarns of a level crossing ahead with no gate or barrier.
• BWarns of a steep downhill gradient ahead.
• CWarns of a crossroads ahead.
• DWarns of a level crossing ahead with a gate or barrier.

Full road sign quizzes are coming soon. See what's planned