Italian category B road test: driving on a long uphill or downhill road

The Italian B practical test may include a long uphill or downhill stretch. Adapt speed and gear to the slope, road surface and visibility; maintain distance and control without relying only on the footbrake. Practise these choices with your instructor in the car used for lessons.

Prepare for an uphill stretch

The Ministry's instructions include long climbs and descents among special road features a candidate may encounter. On an uphill road, read the slope and traffic ahead early, choose a suitable gear before the engine loses power and leave room behind the vehicle in front. If you have to stop, use the restart method taught by your instructor without rolling back towards traffic.

The right gear depends on gradient, vehicle, load and road conditions; there is no single gear for every climb. For example, on an uphill road with a blind bend, do not speed up to pass a slow vehicle: keep control and visibility. Practise hill starts and gear changes with your instructor in a suitable place and traffic conditions.

Control a descent without overheating the brakes

Set a controlled speed before a steep descent and use a gear that helps control the vehicle. Do not coast for a long time in neutral or with the clutch held down. Leave a larger gap when the road is wet or traffic is heavy, and do not follow a heavy vehicle closely. Article 141 requires drivers to remain in control and able to make necessary movements safely.

Do not practise hard braking on an open road to prove you can control the car. Your instructor can choose a suitable route and explain engine braking and the footbrake for that vehicle. During the test, look ahead, read signs and adjust speed before a bend or queue, avoiding sharp corrections at the last moment.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale lets you review Italian speed rules.