Safe driving in desert, mountain and wet conditions
This section covers desert sand, mountain gradients and wet roads, including wadis and flash floods. The exam tests whether you can adapt speed, gear and braking to low-grip or changing conditions.
Core rules
In sand, keep momentum, use a higher gear and avoid sudden steering or braking. Lower tyre pressure only within the manufacturer’s limits and reinflate before highway use. In mountains, select a low gear before the descent, use engine braking and avoid continuous foot-brake application. On wet roads, increase following distance, brake earlier and gently, and watch for aquaplaning; ease off the accelerator rather than braking hard. Never drive into a wadi when water is flowing or rain is falling upstream. Heat increases tyre and brake temperatures, so check pressures and allow cooling.
Worked example
A loaded truck descends a steep Hajar mountain road. The driver selects a low gear and uses short, controlled brake applications. If the pedal fades, the driver stops in a safe pull-off, lets the brakes cool and checks for leaks. Riding the brakes all the way down would overheat them and reduce stopping power.
Traps
Using cruise control on wet roads; braking hard on sand; crossing a flowing wadi because the vehicle is heavy; and assuming four-wheel drive improves braking grip.