Driving in Adverse Weather Conditions

Appropriate use of flashing headlights when driving at night.

To alert others of your presence when approaching a bend or crest of a hill.: Flashing headlights is used to make your presence known, especially in situations where your vehicle might not be visible to others, like on bends or hills.

Switching off your fog lights.

As soon as the fog clears and visibility improves.: Fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced. Keeping them on after visibility improves can dazzle other road users.

Permitted use of hazard warning lights.

When stationary to warn of obstruction, or while driving on a motorway to signal a hazard ahead.: Hazard warning lights can be used when your vehicle is stationary to indicate a temporary obstruction, or while driving on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway to alert drivers behind you of an impending hazard.

How to brake in normal circumstances.

Brake lightly at first, then more firmly as you slow down.: In normal conditions, you should brake lightly at first and increase pressure as you come to a stop, easing off before fully stopping to avoid a jerky stop.

Action if brakes are less effective after driving through deep water.

Apply light pressure to the brakes while driving slowly.: Applying light pressure while driving slowly helps to dry the brakes and restore their effectiveness after driving through deep water.

Definition and danger of coasting.

Driving in neutral or with the clutch down. It reduces driver control.: Coasting reduces control by eliminating engine braking, making it harder to maintain speed, brake, or steer effectively.

Hazard warning lights can be used while driving.

When warning drivers of a hazard on a motorway or dual carriageway.: Hazard warning lights may be used to warn other drivers of a hazard or obstruction ahead, but only on motorways or unrestricted dual carriageways.

Correct action if your vehicle begins to skid.

Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid.: If your vehicle begins to skid, steer in the direction of the skid to regain control and avoid over-correcting.

Correct action when ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is engaged in an emergency.

Press the brake pedal firmly and keep it pressed.: When ABS engages, you should apply firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal without pumping, as ABS allows you to maintain steering control while braking.

Legal requirement regarding lights on your vehicle between sunset and sunrise.

All sidelights and rear registration plate lights must be lit.: You must ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are illuminated between sunset and sunrise for visibility and legal compliance.

Circumstance under which it is legal to leave your engine running while your vehicle is stationary.

When diagnosing faults with the vehicle.: You must not leave your engine running while stationary, except when diagnosing faults. This reduces unnecessary emissions and noise.

When required to use dipped headlights during daytime.

In built-up areas and dull daytime weather.: Using dipped headlights in built-up areas or during dull daytime weather ensures that your vehicle is visible to others, improving safety.

Using headlights according to guidelines.

When visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 meters.: Headlights should be used when visibility is severely reduced, such as when you cannot see for more than 100 meters. They help improve visibility and safety.

Action to take in wet weather to maintain safety.

Keep well back from the vehicle in front to increase visibility and planning.: In wet weather, keeping a greater distance from the vehicle in front helps to increase visibility and gives you more time to react to any potential hazards.

Best action to take if driving in icy conditions.

Drive slowly in a high gear, accelerate and brake very gently.: In icy conditions, driving slowly and smoothly, using a high gear to minimize wheel spin, and avoiding abrupt actions help maintain control and safety.

Adjusting driving when faced with strong crosswinds.

Keep well back from high-sided vehicles and avoid sudden steering changes.: Strong crosswinds can affect your vehicle’s stability. Keeping a safe distance from high-sided vehicles and avoiding sudden steering actions helps maintain control.

Before driving in fog.

Ensure your windows are clear and use headlights as needed.: Before driving in fog, make sure your windows are clear and use headlights to improve visibility. This helps ensure you can see and be seen by others.

You are allowed to use front or rear fog lights.

Only when visibility is seriously reduced.: Fog lights should only be used in conditions of seriously reduced visibility, as they can dazzle other road users and obscure brake lights. They must be switched off when visibility improves.

Action if dazzled by bright sunlight while driving.

Slow down and, if necessary, stop.: If dazzled by bright sunlight, it is important to slow down and, if necessary, stop to maintain safety and avoid accidents.

Reason for driving slowly and in a high gear in icy conditions.

To minimize wheel spin and maintain control.: Driving slowly and using a high gear reduces wheel spin, helping maintain control on icy surfaces.

Action if driving through fog.

Use your lights as required and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.: In foggy conditions, using headlights properly and maintaining a safe distance helps ensure visibility and safety.

Switching off front or rear fog lights.

When visibility improves.: Front and rear fog lights should be switched off when visibility improves, as they can dazzle other drivers and obscure your brake lights.