Teorio
Gradient
The supplementary sign indicates the gradient in per cent, together with additional text, for example “Low gear”.
When you see the sign
Read the percentage and the supplementary text together with the main sign. Adjust your speed and select a gear that gives the vehicle sufficient traction and control throughout the ascent, preferably before the hill begins.
Rules
- The percentage indicates the gradient of the road, not the distance, speed limit or length of the incline.
- A gradient of 10 percent means approximately 10 metres of height difference per 100 metres of horizontal distance.
- The supplementary plate must always be interpreted together with the main sign beneath which it is displayed.
- Additional text such as «Low gear» encourages the driver to use a low gear; the text itself does not introduce a specific speed limit.
Tips
- Select a lower gear before the steep section begins to avoid unnecessary gear changes halfway up the hill.
- Maintain a steady speed and sufficient engine speed, particularly if the vehicle is heavily loaded or towing a trailer.
- Increase the distance to the vehicle in front because heavy vehicles can lose speed quickly on a steep ascent.
- Monitor the temperature and warning lights if the vehicle is working hard over a long ascent.
Common misconceptions
- Interpreting the percentage as the number of degrees. Percentages and angular degrees are not the same.
- Thinking that the number shows how many metres there are to the hill. Distance is indicated by supplementary plate 802.
- Interpreting the text «Low gear» as a new speed limit instead of advice about gear selection and control.
Test yourself
Easy
What information does the supplementary plate provide?
- AThe period during which the main sign applies
- BThe length of the section to which the main sign applies
- CThe distance to the location from which the main sign applies
- DThe road's gradient expressed as a percentage
Medium
You are approaching a steep hill, and the supplementary plate contains the additional text «Low gear». What should you do?
- AMaintain a speed corresponding to the percentage shown on the sign
- BStop before the hill and check the length of the road
- CSelect a low gear to maintain good control
- DChange to a high gear to reduce the engine speed
Hard
The percentage on the supplementary plate is 9 %. Which interpretation is correct?
- AThe road rises approximately 9 metres per 100 metres of horizontal distance
- BThe main sign applies to a road section that is 9 metres long
- CThere are 9 metres to the point where the main sign begins to apply
- DThe road has an inclination angle of exactly 9 degrees
Theory test tip
In the theory test, the percentage may be confused with distance or the angle of inclination. Remember that 9 percent means approximately 9 metres of height difference per 100 metres of horizontal distance, and that the supplementary plate must be read together with the main sign.
Did you know
Gradients are given as percentages because this makes it easy to compare the height difference with the horizontal distance. A gradient of 100 percent corresponds to an angle of approximately 45 degrees, not a vertical hill.
Frequently asked questions
What does 9% on the supplementary plate mean?
It means that the road drops approximately 9 metres per 100 metres of horizontal distance. It does not mean that the hill has an angle of 9 degrees.
Is the text «Low gear» an instruction to use a specific gear?
No, the text does not specify a particular gear number. You should select a sufficiently low gear so that the vehicle has good traction and can be driven under control.
Does the sign indicate how long the hill is?
No, the percentage only shows the gradient. The length or distance must be indicated on another supplementary plate.
Can sign 813.2 stand alone?
It is a supplementary plate and is intended to supplement a main sign. Its meaning must therefore be considered in conjunction with the sign above it.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
