Alberta Class 7 License Practice Test

When parking a vehicle with a manual transmission on a hill, the transmission should be left in which gear?

1. Neutral

2. First gear

3. Reverse

4. Second gear

The correct answer is: First gear

When parking a vehicle with a manual transmission on a hill, leaving the transmission in first gear is essential for preventing the vehicle from rolling. This is because first gear provides a mechanical advantage that helps hold the vehicle stationary. If the vehicle is parked facing uphill, having it in first gear means that if the brakes were to fail, the engine would resist the vehicle rolling backward. Furthermore, parking in first gear allows the engine's compression to add an additional layer of resistance against the motion of the vehicle. It is also crucial to ensure that the vehicle's handbrake (or parking brake) is engaged when parked on a slope, as this provides extra security. Parking in neutral can result in the vehicle rolling if the brakes fail, while using reverse might not provide sufficient protection on all inclines, particularly those that slope downward. Second gear typically does not offer as much resistance as first gear, which can also pose a risk of rolling. Thus, leaving the vehicle in first gear is the best practice for safely parking on a hill.