Warning signs · W7-1
Hill sign
Archive file: W07-01 Hill/W07-01 Hill 30x30.svg
FHWA public-use information
What it means
A downhill grade ahead calls for extra caution.
Source: FHWA MUTCD — MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), Section 2C.14, paragraph 01, PDF page 208.
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Meaning
Hill warns of a downgrade requiring special care. Pennsylvania describes a steep descent ahead. The federal manual considers the grade, its length and other road features when deciding where this warning is needed.
What to do
Reduce speed and be ready to select a lower gear. Pennsylvania explains that the lower gear helps manage speed and reduces the demand on the brakes during the descent.
Where it is used
The sign comes before the downgrade. Extra plaques may provide grade information or advise use of a lower gear, so read the whole assembly before descending.
A sign to tell apart
Dip warns of a sharp depression in the road profile. Hill warns of a descent whose length, slope or other features demand preparation. A dip and a sustained downgrade call attention to different road shapes.
Practice with explanations
These are original learning questions based on the cited handbooks. Read each answer and its explanation below.
1. You approach Pennsylvania’s Hill warning. What preparation does the handbook recommend?
- Slow and be ready to use a lower gear.
- Increase speed before starting the descent.
- Rely on braking harder after speed builds.
Answer: A. Slow and be ready to use a lower gear.
A lower gear can help control speed on the downgrade.
2. Why does Pennsylvania recommend being ready to downshift for the steep hill?
- It permits a higher speed than any posted limit.
- It helps manage speed while reducing brake wear.
- It removes the need to watch the roadway.
Answer: B. It helps manage speed while reducing brake wear.
The handbook connects a lower gear with speed control and less demand on the brakes.
State source coverage
Handbook coverage and sample questions do not prove that a sign will appear on your exam. Even a published test scope cannot guarantee an individual exam question.
Pennsylvania
Handbook coverage
PennDOT explains Hill/Downgrade and preparation for the descent. This documents handbook coverage, without promising selection on an individual exam.
Pennsylvania permit sources · Practice with Pennsylvania questions
State variations
State-specific variations have not been independently established for this study.
Verified question coverage
These free state-bank questions were independently verified. This does not establish complete state-bank readiness, app availability or what will appear on your permit exam.
No currently verified state-bank question is available for this sign.
The linked 20-question permit quizzes do not currently include this sign.
This meaning is a federal MUTCD reference. Check your state's handbook for its rules and sign coverage; this page does not establish what appears on a state permit exam.
Try the free road sign quiz or find your state's handbook.
