Teorio
Steep gradient
The sign warns of a steep uphill gradient in the direction of travel.
When you see the sign
Prepare for a steep uphill gradient and adjust your speed before the hill begins. Select a gear that provides sufficient traction, and be aware that heavy or slow-moving vehicles ahead may lose speed.
Rules
- Sign 104.1 warns of a steep uphill gradient in the direction of travel.
- The sign is a warning sign and does not impose a specific speed, but you must choose a speed that is safe given the gradient, visibility and traffic.
- You must keep a sufficient distance because vehicles ahead may reduce their speed quickly on the hill.
- Overtaking is only permitted when it can be carried out without danger and when visibility, road markings and other signs allow it.
Tips
- Select a lower gear before the hill if the vehicle would otherwise lose a lot of speed.
- Maintain steady pressure on the accelerator and avoid unnecessary gear changes in the steepest section.
- Increase your distance from lorries, buses and vehicles with trailers, as they often travel considerably more slowly uphill.
- Assess oncoming traffic and visibility carefully before potentially overtaking a slow-moving vehicle.
Common misconceptions
- Confusing 104.1 with 104.2: 104.1 warns of an uphill gradient, while 104.2 warns of a downhill gradient.
- Thinking that the sign sets a specific lower speed limit. It warns of danger but does not itself change the speed limit.
- Thinking that the percentage indicates an angle in degrees. A 10 percent gradient means approximately 10 metres of height difference per 100 metres of horizontal distance.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign warn about?
- AA dangerous bend in the direction of travel
- BA steep uphill gradient in the direction of travel
- CA steep downhill gradient in the direction of travel
- DA narrower road in the direction of travel
Medium
You are approaching the hill and see a heavy vehicle ahead of you. What should you do?
- AYou maintain the same speed and drive close behind the vehicle
- BYou stop before the hill and wait for the road to be clear
- CYou adjust your speed and maintain a good distance from the vehicle
- DYou pass immediately before the vehicle loses speed
Hard
The symbol shows an uphill gradient of 10 percent. What does the percentage mean?
- AThe road becomes approximately 10 percent narrower on the hill
- BThe speed limit is reduced by 10 kilometres per hour
- CThe hill rises approximately 10 degrees per 100 metres horizontally
- DThe hill rises approximately 10 metres per 100 metres horizontally
Theory test tip
Look carefully at which direction the hill slopes in the symbol. A common trap on the theory test is to choose a steep downhill gradient, sign 104.2, when the question shows a steep uphill gradient, sign 104.1.
Did you know
The gradient may be shown as a percentage on the sign. Percentages are used because they describe the height difference in relation to the horizontal distance, not the angle of the hill in degrees.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to slow down when I see sign 104.1?
Not necessarily, but your speed must be safe given the gradient, visibility and traffic. You should be prepared to reduce your speed if vehicles ahead lose speed.
What does a 10 percent gradient mean?
It means approximately 10 metres of height difference per 100 metres of horizontal distance. It does not mean that the hill has an angle of 10 degrees.
What is the difference between signs 104.1 and 104.2?
Sign 104.1 warns of a steep uphill gradient in the direction of travel. Sign 104.2 warns of a steep downhill gradient.
Can I overtake a lorry travelling slowly uphill?
Only if overtaking is permitted and can be carried out completely without danger. Steep hills can result in poor visibility and a large difference in speed, so you must have a clear view and sufficient distance.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
