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Hills & Narrow Roads

Driving on steep gradients or tight, narrow roads demands special care. You must be ready to slow, stop, or give way, and you should use proper gear control to stay safe.

  • You must give way where the road is too narrow for two vehicles to pass. [1]
  • You must obey any priority signs showing which side of the road must give way. [1]
  • Careless or inconsiderate driving on a hill or narrow road — such as refusing to yield or forcing others to reverse — may be prosecuted. [2]

Good Practice

  • Use low gear on descents: You should use engine braking by selecting a low gear before going downhill. This prevents brake fade and keeps control. [3]
  • Do not coast: Never roll downhill in neutral or with the clutch pressed. You lose control of speed and braking.
  • Approaching a narrow section: Slow down, be prepared to stop, and look ahead for oncoming vehicles.
  • Pull into passing places: If the road is single-track or too narrow, use a lay-by, pull-off, or wider spot to let others pass.
  • Use mirrors: Check behind you — smaller vehicles or motorcycles may need to pass.
  • Signal intentions: Use signals or hand gestures to show courtesy when yielding.

Special Considerations

  • Large vehicles: Trucks and buses climbing hills may be slow — be patient, do not tailgate, and overtake only if safe. See Overtaking.
  • Visibility: Many hills have blind crests or bends. Keep left and do not overtake until you can see the road ahead.
  • Reversing on hills: If you must reverse, do so with great care and use a helper if available. See Reversing.
  • Slippery conditions: Rain or loose gravel on slopes can cause skids — reduce speed and brake gently. See Low Visibility.

Exam Pointers

  • When must you give way on a narrow road? → When signs indicate or when the road is too narrow for two vehicles to pass. [1]
  • How should you control speed on steep descents? → Use a low gear and engine braking, not just the footbrake. [3]
  • Is it safe to coast downhill in neutral? → No, it is dangerous and prohibited.
  • What should you do if another vehicle cannot pass you on a narrow road? → Pull into a passing place or safe spot and let them by.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has priority on a narrow road with passing places?
If signs are present, follow them. Otherwise, the vehicle closest to a passing place should give way. Drivers going uphill often have priority, but use judgement and courtesy. [1]
How should I drive downhill safely?
Select a low gear before the descent and use engine braking. Avoid coasting in neutral or pressing the clutch. [3]
What should I do if the road is too narrow for me and another vehicle?
Slow down, be ready to stop, and pull into a passing place if available. Do not force the other driver to reverse unless it is safer for them.
Why is coasting downhill dangerous?
Because you lose engine braking, making it harder to control speed and putting all the strain on your brakes.
What if I meet a large vehicle on a hill?
Slow down, keep left, and be prepared to stop. Large vehicles may need extra space or have difficulty restarting uphill. See also Overtaking.
  1. Bahamas Highway Code, Section 17 — Drivers must give way where the road is narrow and priority signs or conditions make it unsafe for two vehicles to pass. ↩
  2. Road Traffic Act (Ch. 220), s. 46 — Careless or inconsiderate driving, such as failing to give way on a hill or narrow road, may be prosecuted. ↩
  3. Bahamas Highway Code, Section 17 — Drivers should use low gear when going down steep hills to maintain control, and should not coast in neutral. ↩
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