247SimpleTests
DMV Permit · Warning Signs

A yellow diamond sign with the symbol of a truck on a downward slope means:

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Steep grade ahead; trucks should use low gear

  1. A Truck weigh station
  2. B Steep grade ahead; trucks should use low gear
  3. C Truck rest area
  4. D Trucks prohibited

Why this is the answer

The truck-on-downgrade warning sign indicates a steep grade ahead. Trucks especially should select a low gear before starting the descent to use engine braking rather than relying on service brakes, which can overheat on long downgrades. Passenger cars should also slow down and avoid riding the brakes. The sign often appears with a 'percent grade' indicator (e.g., '6% grade') and may be accompanied by signs warning of runaway truck escape ramps further down. Steep grades are a leading factor in commercial vehicle brake failures and runaway crashes, and the warning is for drivers to plan ahead, not respond mid-descent.
Source: MUTCD Section 2C Steep Grade Warning

Practice more questions

This question is from our DMV Permit Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Warning Signs and other topics.

Take the Road Signs practice test →

About this topic: Warning Signs

Yellow diamond signs warn of hazards: curves, intersections, animals, slippery surfaces, school zones. Slow down and look further ahead when you see them. This is one of 24 Road Signs questions on warning signs, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our DMV Permit exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Warning Signs

A yellow diamond-shaped sign generally means:

 Warning Signs

A yellow diamond sign with two children walking means:

 Warning Signs

A yellow diamond with two curving arrows indicating opposite directions means:

 Warning Signs

A yellow pentagon (five-sided) sign that points up means:

State-specific guides

Need information for your state? Our state guides cover local requirements, fees, and what to expect on exam day.

California Texas Florida New York Pennsylvania Illinois Ohio Georgia

Recommended study materials

Study guide

DMV Permit Test Study Guide (Learner Editions)

State-by-state driver's license and learner's permit prep, road signs, and rules of the road in plain language.

Check Price → Study guide

Road Rules & Signs Workbook (Exambusters)

Targeted flashcard-style review of road signs, right-of-way rules, and speed limits for all 50 states.

Check Price → Study guide

Prepare for the Learner's Permit Test (Sterling)

Practice questions and explanations for teen and adult first-time driver license test takers.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →