Try your brakes sign

What it means

Test your brakes. They may be wet, or you are about to go down a steep hill.

The sign has three lines of words, 'Try your brakes'. It is placed after a ford or before a steep descent.

Wet brakes can be less effective. Test them gently at the first safe opportunity, and if they feel weak, apply light pressure while driving slowly to dry them.

Where you'll see it

After a ford, and before a steep downhill section.

Rules to know

• The sign is used after crossing a ford or before descending a steep hill.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 12

• After driving through deep water your brakes may be less effective. Test them gently, and if they are not fully effective, apply light pressure while driving slowly to help dry them.

  The Highway Code, Rule 121

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Waiting until you need to stop to find out whether the brakes work.

  Instead: Test them gently at the first safe opportunity, with no vehicle close behind you.

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?

• ATest your brakes
• BWarns of a crossroads ahead.
• CFrail pedestrians likely to cross
• DWild animals may be crossing the road

Ready for more? Take the Warning Signs Quiz