Who backs up on a mountain road
A free practice question for the California permit test, with the answer explained.
Independent practice site. We're not the DMV and aren't connected to any government agency.
Two cars meet on a steep, narrow road and can't pass. Which car should back up?
The rule
If two vehicles meet on a steep road too narrow to pass, the one facing downhill backs up until the uphill vehicle can get by, since backing up the hill gives it more control.
On a steep road too narrow to pass, the vehicle facing downhill backs up until the uphill vehicle can pass.
From the California Driver Handbook, section 7, page 42. This question is our own wording of that rule. The handbook and the DMV have the final word.
Often mixed up with
People confuse these rules with this one. Each has its own practice question.
Take the free 20-question test
20 questions from every topic, each with the answer explained and a link to the handbook page. You need 16 right for 80%, the pass mark the DMV uses. Free, no sign-up.