Gravel and dirt roads — Montana Permit Test

You have less traction on gravel and dirt than on concrete or asphalt, so you must slow down: it takes much longer to stop and it is easier to skid when turning.

A driver who brakes on gravel as on pavement slides past the stop sign.

You do not have as much traction on gravel and dirt roads as you do on concrete and asphalt roads.

A "washboard" effect on gravel roads is a series of potholes that can affect steering and vehicle control.

Hitting a washboard stretch fast shakes the wheel loose from your hands and the car wanders.

This is a series of potholes that can affect steering and vehicle control.

On dusty gravel roads in dry weather, the manual recommends using low beam headlights so others can see you.

A car with no lights inside a dust cloud is invisible to the truck coming the other way.

It is recommended that drivers use low beam headlights to make the vehicle more visible to others.

Gravel and dirt roads can be narrow with little shoulder; look for narrow bridge signs and be prepared to stop for oncoming traffic.

Two cars meeting on a one-lane bridge cannot both fit, and the ditches beside it are steep.

Drivers should look for narrow bridge signs and be prepared to stop for oncoming traffic.

How does stopping on a gravel or dirt road compare with stopping on pavement?

It takes much longer to stop. A driver who brakes on gravel as on pavement slides past the stop sign. Montana Driver Manual, p.59: “You do not have as much traction on gravel and dirt roads as you do on concrete and asphalt roads.”