Rule
Grip on gravel
On gravel, grip is ~50 % lower than asphalt. Braking distance is much longer and skids can start with small steering or brake inputs.
Loading
Lesson5 min
Gravel and rural roads: less grip, bigger risks
Forest tracks, logging crossings, and moose — how to drive safely off-tarmac.
You will learn, among other things:
Checklist
Technique on gravel
- Reduce speed on gravel roads — longer braking distance needed
- Keep extra distance — dust and gravel reduce visibility and grip
- Stay alert at forest road junctions — hidden entries and exits
- Adjust speed at dawn/dusk — moose and wildlife may cross the road
- Meeting on narrow gravel roads — slow down and move aside if needed
- Avoid sudden steering movements — risk of skidding on loose surfaces
Exam trap
Wildlife on forest roads
Rural roads with forest on both sides: wildlife collisions (moose, deer, wild boar) peak at dawn and dusk, especially spring and autumn. Actively scan the roadside, use main beam when possible, and expect the animal not to stop for you.
Scenario
Meeting on a narrow gravel road
Meeting on a narrow gravel road: both slow down, keep as far right as possible, mirror-check if needed, and be ready for loose gravel at the edge. Another driver skidding on gravel is harder to avoid than on asphalt.