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Road signs, Steep hill downwards

What does the steep hill downwards sign mean?

A steep downhill ahead. The figure shows how steep the gradient is.

By VikasReviewed by VikasMethodologySources
Steep hill downwards

A red triangle with a downhill slope and a gradient, for example 10%.

What you must do

Choose a lower gear before the hill so engine braking helps control your speed.

Where you will see it

At the top of a steep descent.

Easy to confuse with: Steep hill upwards

Steep hill upwards

The matching sign warns of a steep climb instead. See the steep hill upwards sign.

Test yourself

The theory test asks you to recognise signs like this one. Try the road and traffic signs short test (with an easy and a hard set), or read the signs revision notes. Source: Highway Code rule 160.

Other common road signs

National speed limitNational speed limitSpeed limitSpeed limitNo entryNo entryStopStopGive wayGive wayNo waitingNo waitingNo stopping (clearway)No stopping (clearway)Ahead onlyAhead onlyTurn left aheadTurn left aheadTurn right aheadTurn right aheadOther dangerOther dangerNo U-turnsNo U-turnsNo left turnNo left turnNo right turnNo right turnNo overtakingNo overtakingWeight limitWeight limitNo motor vehiclesNo motor vehiclesKeep leftKeep leftKeep rightKeep rightMini-roundaboutMini-roundaboutMinimum speedMinimum speedCrossroads aheadCrossroads aheadT-junction aheadT-junction aheadRoundabout aheadRoundabout aheadBend aheadBend aheadTwo-way trafficTwo-way trafficTraffic signals aheadTraffic signals aheadRoad narrowsRoad narrowsSlippery roadSlippery roadPedestrians in roadPedestrians in roadParkingParkingBend to the leftBend to the leftDouble bendDouble bendSide roadSide roadStaggered junctionStaggered junctionSteep hill upwardsSteep hill upwardsUneven roadUneven roadHump bridgeHump bridgeRoad humpsRoad humpsLevel crossing with barrierLevel crossing with barrierLevel crossing without barrierLevel crossing without barrierSchool or children crossingSchool or children crossingZebra crossing aheadZebra crossing aheadCycle route aheadCycle route aheadHorse ridersHorse ridersWild animalsWild animalsFarm animalsFarm animalsQueues likelyQueues likelyNo vehiclesNo vehiclesNo cyclingNo cyclingNo pedestriansNo pedestriansHeight limitHeight limitGive priority to oncomingGive priority to oncomingTurn leftTurn leftRoute for cycles onlyRoute for cycles onlyOne-way trafficOne-way trafficNo through roadNo through roadHospitalHospitalFalling or fallen rocksFalling or fallen rocksSide windsSide windsTunnel aheadTunnel aheadFordFordTraffic merging from leftTraffic merging from leftRoad worksRoad worksLoose chippingsLoose chippingsLow-flying aircraftLow-flying aircraftOpening or swing bridgeOpening or swing bridgeTramsTramsNo busesNo busesNo goods vehicles over the weight shownNo goods vehicles over the weight shownNo towed caravansNo towed caravansWidth limitWidth limitLength limitLength limitPass either sidePass either sideStart of motorwayStart of motorwayEnd of motorwayEnd of motorwayTourist information pointTourist information pointFrail or disabled pedestriansFrail or disabled pedestriansAgricultural vehiclesAgricultural vehiclesDual carriageway endsDual carriageway endsTwo-way traffic crosses aheadTwo-way traffic crosses aheadAvailable headroomAvailable headroomArch bridge headroomArch bridge headroomRisk of groundingRisk of groundingRoad narrows on the rightRoad narrows on the rightMigratory toad crossingMigratory toad crossing20 mph speed limit20 mph speed limitSegregated cycle and pedestrian routeSegregated cycle and pedestrian routeShared cycle and pedestrian routeShared cycle and pedestrian routeNo loadingNo loadingRoute for trams onlyRoute for trams onlyContraflow bus laneContraflow bus laneBus laneBus laneDiverted trafficDiverted trafficServicesServicesPark and ridePark and ride

Meaning based on Know Your Traffic Signs and The Highway Code. The sign image is an official Department for Transport sign (Crown copyright) from Wikimedia Commons, reused under the Open Government Licence or the public domain. Always check the current Highway Code on gov.uk. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the DVSA.