Rural roads — Indiana Permit Test

On loose gravel, stopping and turning are harder, so slow down earlier before a turn or stop.

Gravel rolls under the tires, and the car can slide straight on in a turn.

You must slow down earlier to reduce your risk of skidding through a turn or stop.

On dusty dirt roads, use your low beam headlights so other drivers can see you.

The dust cloud hides your car, but lights shine through it.

Use your low beam headlights to make yourself more visible to other drivers.

Before the crest of a steep hill, slow down, move to the right side of the road and watch for oncoming vehicles.

You cannot see over the top, and a car may be coming up the other side near the center.

Before approaching the crest of a steep hill, slow down, move to the right side of the road, and watch for oncoming vehicles.

Crops such as corn can block your view of vehicles at intersections and on curvy roads.

In late summer a car can be hidden until it is right at the crossing.

Cultivated crops such as corn may reduce your ability to see vehicles approaching intersections and oncoming vehicles on curvy roads.

Use caution when approaching or passing other vehicles on narrow roads and bridges, and be ready to stop for other vehicles.

There may not be room for two vehicles to pass each other side by side.

You should use caution when approaching or passing other vehicles on narrow roads or bridges.

Why should you slow down earlier on gravel roads?

Traction is reduced, so stopping and turning are harder. Gravel rolls under the tires, and the car can slide straight on in a turn. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.46: “You must slow down earlier to reduce your risk of skidding through a turn or stop.”