You are driving a vehicle with an automatic gearbox down a long hill. To engage engine braking, you move the selector to position '3'. What should you be aware of?

You are driving a vehicle with an automatic

Multiple choice — select the best answer

ASelecting '3' also automatically applies 30% service brake pressure as a safety measure
BAutomatic gearboxes cannot provide meaningful engine braking in any selector position
CPosition '3' disconnects the torque converter so engine braking is identical to a manual vehicle
DThe gearbox will hold third gear, but downshifting at excessive speed risks transmission overspeed damage

✓ Correct answer: D. The gearbox will hold third gear, but downshifting at excessive speed risks transmission overspeed damage Selecting a lower range on an automatic gearbox locks out higher gears and enables engine braking, but the driver must ensure vehicle speed has been reduced to within the safe rev range for that gear before selecting it to avoid transmission damage.

.q-expl{display:block!important}.q-opt[data-idx="3"]{border-color:#16a34a;background:#f0fdf4}.q-opt[data-idx="3"] .oltr{background:#16a34a;color:#fff}.q-opt{cursor:default!important;pointer-events:none}

Keep practising. Use the free HGV Theory UK PDF, watch the YouTube walkthrough, or unlock all 10 web questions with timed mock exams.

Free PDF Video walkthrough

Topic: UK HGV/LGV/PCV Theory

← Previous Next → 🎲 Random question ↩ Back to all questions

Keep practising

You are driving a vehicle with an automatic gearbox down a long hill. To engage engine braking, you move the selector to position '3'. What should you be aware of?

Related questions — UK HGV/LGV/PCV Theory

Free practice here. Timed mocks when you are ready.