New! High Road 2.0! We have a new version of this program. You can find it here: High Road 2.0

Driving On Upgrades

As you approach an upgrade:

• Select the proper gear to maintain speed and not lug the engine.
• Check traffic thoroughly in all directions and move to the right-most or curb lane.
• If legal to do so, use the 4-way flashers if traveling too slowly for the flow of traffic.

Downgrade

Before starting down the grade:

Downshift as needed to help control engine speed and test brakes by gently applying the foot brake to ensure they are functioning properly. As your vehicle moves down the grade, continue checking traffic in all directions, stay in the right-most or curb lane and, if legal to do so, use the 4-way flashers if your vehicle is moving too slowly for traffic. Increase following distance and observe the following downhill braking procedures:

• Select a “safe” speed, one that is not too fast for the weight of the vehicle, length and steepness of the grade, weather and road conditions.
• Once a “safe” speed has been reached, apply the brake hard enough to feel a definite slowdown.
• When speed has been reduced to 5 mph below the “safe” speed, release the brakes. (This application should last for about 3 seconds.)
• Once speed has increased to the “safe” speed, repeat the procedure.

Example: If your “safe” speed is 40 mph, you should apply the brakes once your vehicle speed reaches 40 mph. Your brakes should be applied hard enough to reduce your speed to 35 mph. Once your vehicle speed reaches 35 mph, release the brakes. Repeat this procedure as often as necessary until you have reached the end of the downgrade. This braking technique is called "snubbing."

When operating any commercial vehicle, do not ride the clutch, race the engine, change gears or coast while driving down the grade. At the bottom of the grade, be sure to cancel the 4-way flashers.

Not all test routes will contain an area of sufficient grade to test your skills adequately. Therefore, you may be asked to simulate (verbally) driving up and down a steep hill. You must be familiar with the upgrade/downgrade procedures so that you can explain and/or demonstrate them to the examiner at any time during the driving exam.