Posts in category: Tips

1. 

   Slow down. Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front as stopping distances in rain are increased

2. Use dipped headlights so that other drivers can see you more easily
3. Don’t use rear fog lights. They can mask your brake lights and dazzle drivers behind you
4. Look out for large or fast-moving vehicles creating spray which reduces visibility
5. Keep your air conditioning on, as this will stop your windows from misting up – furthermore, you can read our full advice page on how to demist your windscreen in double-quick time
6. Listen out for local news bulletins to keep up-to-date with road closures, flooding and forecasts
7. If you break down in torrential rain keep the bonnet closed while waiting for help to arrive, to avoid the electrical system getting soaked
8. Driving too fast through standing water could lead to tyres losing contact with the road. If your steering suddenly feels light you could be aquaplaning. To regain grip, ease off the accelerator, do not brake and allow your speed to reduce until you gain full control of the steering again
9. Be considerate to other road users and try not to spray pedestrians and cyclists as you drive through water

Heavy rain may lead to large puddles, areas of standing water and even flooding in the event that you may have to negotiate these types of conditions on the road, read below for our advice on how to drive through deep puddles.

You can hope for dry and sunny weather when it comes to taking your test but, as we all know, there are no guarantees. Make sure you’ve practiced with your instructor in rain and shine.

Also get out on the road when it’s foggy and dark, just so you can feel confident if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

It’s impossible to know where you will be directed on the day or what traffic or hazards you’ll face along the way.

However, once you’ve selected your test centre, you can always get to know the area and test routes beforehand.

Make sure you’ve practiced on a variety of roads. A mixture of major and minor roads, country lanes and dual carriageways is important if you want to avoid any nasty surprises on test day.

It’s an obvious one to start with but turning up in good time for your test will start you off on the right foot.

Arriving late puts you at risk of missing it entirely, while rushing to get there in time will leave you feeling flustered, even if you do make it.

Arrive at your test centre 10-20 minutes beforehand so you have long enough to prepare, but won’t be waiting around too long.

Ensuring you get a good night’s sleep is also important to avoid unnecessary stress or anxiety.