Driving conditions (skills 24 to 26)
Contents
Introduction
Driving in different conditions is one of the most important parts of becoming a safe driver.
These three skills help you understand how to adapt your driving when visibility is reduced, when the weather changes, and when you have passengers or loads in the car.
Why these skills matter
Driving in the dark, bad weather, or when tired increases risk because it affects how well you can see, think, and react.
Learning how to adapt your driving helps you avoid stressful situations and protects your confidence, your independence, and the people who rely on you getting home safely.
24. Driving in the dark
If the thought of driving at night feels daunting, you are not alone. Many learners find it one of the more challenging aspects of learning to drive. The good news is that confidence comes with practice, and your instructor can help you build up gradually.
There are many factors that make driving in the dark more hazardous. Judging speed and distance at night can be difficult, so it is especially important to take your time at junctions.
You should be confident driving on:
- urban roads
- rural roads
- single and dual carriageways
You should know:
- how darkness limits your visibility and when to adjust your speed, especially in bad weather
- when you should use your lights, which lights to use and the importance of keeping them clean
- when you can use the horn at night
- how to park safely and legally when it is dark
Things to think about
Do I always change the way I drive when it is harder to see at night?
Would I stay as alert on a familiar road at night as on an unfamiliar one?
Would I still choose to drive at night if I knew I felt tired but believed I could manage?
What could happen if I drove too fast for what I could see in my headlights?
About these questions
Ask your instructor
How can I build confidence driving safely at night?
25. Weather conditions
Weather can change quickly, and different conditions affect how your car handles and how far you can see. Building experience in different weather makes you a safer driver for life.
You should be confident in all weather conditions, including:
- fog
- ice and snow
- bright sunshine
- wind
- rain
You should know:
- how different weather affects your visibility, speed, and stopping distance
- how to use your car’s features, such as demisters and heated windows
- the causes of skidding and aquaplaning, and how to respond
- which lights to use in poor daytime visibility
Things to think about
Do I always adjust my speed and the gap in front in rain, ice or fog?
Would I still slow down in bad weather if there was no other traffic around?
Would I still set off in very bad weather because I believed I could handle the conditions?
What could happen if I underestimated how slippery the road was?
About these questions
Ask your instructor
What should I focus on when driving in poor weather conditions?
26. Passengers and loads
Once you pass your test, you will almost certainly carry passengers. This changes how driving feels, and it is worth getting some experience before your test day.
Many learners have never driven with a passenger other than their instructor. That is completely normal. The good news is that this is something you can practise.
You should know:
- your responsibilities to adults, children, babies, and animals travelling with you
- the rules on seat belts and child seats
- why a rear-facing baby seat must never be placed in a seat with an active airbag
- how to check all doors are properly closed before moving off
- how to carry loads safely, including distributing weight evenly
- how to load a trailer safely
Things to think about
Do I always stay focused on my driving when I have passengers or something loaded in the car?
Would I keep my concentration if passengers were being loud or trying to show me something on their phone?
Would I set clear rules with passengers so I can stay focused, even if they did not like it?
What could happen if I lost concentration because of passengers?
About these questions
Ask your instructor
Can we do a lesson with a passenger in the car, so I can practise staying focused with someone else there?
Not feeling completely prepared?
Only take your driving test if you’re feeling completely prepared.
You can move your driving test back if you’re not feeling quite ready yet.
It’s free to change your appointment time, as long as you do it at least 10 full working days (Mondays to Saturdays) before your test.