🌧️ How to Drive Safely in Bad Weather

As a newly qualified driver — or even an experienced one — bad weather can significantly change how a car behaves and how visible you are to others. Here are the key principles our instructors at LessonDrive teach every student.

Driving in Rain

Increase your following distance. In wet conditions, stopping distances at least double compared to dry roads. At 30mph, a dry stopping distance is around 23 metres — in wet conditions, allow at least 46 metres.

Check your tyres. Tyre tread depth of at least 1.6mm is the legal minimum, but in wet conditions, 3mm or more gives significantly better grip. Bald tyres on wet roads dramatically increase the risk of aquaplaning.

Lights on. Even in daytime rain, use your dipped headlights to improve your visibility to other road users. Rear fog lights should only be used when visibility drops below 100 metres.

Driving in Fog

Fog is one of the most dangerous driving conditions because visibility can change dramatically in a short distance. Use front and rear fog lights when visibility drops below 100 metres. Slow down — your speed should allow you to stop within the distance you can see clearly ahead. Never assume fog has cleared; use your headlights throughout the journey.

Driving on Ice

Ice is the most treacherous condition. If roads are icy, ask yourself whether the journey is genuinely necessary. If you do drive: accelerate, brake and steer with extreme gentleness — all inputs should be gradual and smooth. Use the highest gear possible to reduce wheel spin. If you feel the car skid, steer gently into the skid (if rear slides right, steer right) and ease off the accelerator — do not brake.

What We Cover in Lessons

LessonDrive instructors cover adverse weather driving as part of every lesson course, including the Pass Plus course which has a dedicated all-weather module. If bad weather arises during a lesson, we use it as a teaching opportunity rather than cutting the lesson short.