Which factors affect the driver’s decision to shift to higher or lower gear?
- The speed limit in that road section.
- Correct answer: The vehicle’s speed, considering traffic condition, road condition and visibility.
- When driving uphill, there is no consideration whether to shift to higher or lower gear.
- The only affecting factor is the cumulative driving distance.
Why this is the answer
The correct answer in the official bank: The vehicle’s speed, considering traffic condition, road condition and visibility.
The right gear depends on the vehicle's speed, and that speed must suit the traffic, the road conditions and the visibility. Uphill, downhill, in heavy traffic or poor visibility, you adjust the gear to keep engine power and control. The speed limit is not the deciding factor, since you often must drive slower than it, and the total distance driven has nothing to do with shifting.