Driving in Bad Weather
Driving in bad weather means dealing with rain, snow, ice, fog, high winds and even bright,
low sun. These conditions make it harder to see, steer and stop safely. Understanding the rules for
driving in adverse weather conditions is essential for passing the
DVSA driving theory test and staying safe on real
UK roads.
Use this Driving in Bad Weather guide to learn the key rules for learner drivers, see how they
apply in everyday driving, and help you prepare for the UK
car theory test,
motorcycle theory test,
HGV / LGV theory test,
PCV theory test, or
ADI Part 1 DVSA theory test.
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What does driving in bad weather mean?
Driving in bad weather covers any situation where the weather makes it harder to see or
control your vehicle. This includes heavy rain, standing water, snow and ice, fog or mist, strong winds and
even very bright sun and hot road surfaces.
In these conditions, you may need to reduce your speed, increase your following distance, use your lights
differently and plan extra time for your journey.
Key driving in bad weather rules
As a learner driver or rider, you must show that you can spot changing weather conditions early
and adjust your driving safely. Here are the key bad weather driving rules you should know:
-
Use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced (for example, when you cannot see the
road clearly ahead) and use fog lights only when visibility is very poor. Switch them off
as soon as conditions improve.
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In wet weather, allow more time and distance for braking. Roads can be very slippery just
after it starts raining and in heavy spray from other vehicles.
-
Avoid driving quickly through standing water or floods. If you must drive through, go
slowly, use a low gear and test your brakes gently once you are through the water.
-
In ice and snow, drive at very low speeds in the highest gear that is safe, brake and
accelerate gently to reduce the risk of skidding, and keep a much larger gap from the vehicle in front.
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In fog, slow right down, use dipped headlights and fog lights if needed, and be prepared to
stop in the distance you can see ahead. Do not rely on the vehicle in front to guide you.
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In high winds, be ready for sudden gusts, especially on exposed bridges, open stretches of
road and when passing high-sided vehicles, cyclists or motorcyclists.
-
In very bright sun or hot weather, be aware of glare from low sun, carry sunglasses if
needed and watch for soft or damaged road surfaces that could affect grip and braking.
These bad weather driving rules are based on Rules 226-237 of the UK Highway Code, which cover
driving in adverse weather conditions. Want to see the Highway Code rules for driving in bad
weather?
View the Highway Code rules for driving in adverse weather.
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Types of bad weather conditions
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Heavy rain and spray - reduces visibility, increases stopping distances and can cause
aquaplaning if you drive too fast.
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Snow and ice - severely reduce grip, make steering and braking much more difficult and
can hide road markings and hazards.
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Fog and mist - make it hard to see other road users, road signs and junctions,
especially at higher speeds.
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Strong winds - can push vehicles off course, particularly cyclists, motorcyclists,
high-sided vehicles and vehicles towing trailers.
-
Bright sun and hot weather - can cause glare and eye strain, and very hot conditions
can affect the road surface and tyre performance.
Whatever the weather, you should always be prepared to slow down, increase your following distance and
change your driving plan if conditions get worse.
Driving in bad weather in real driving situations
Bad weather rules are not just facts for the theory test - they're skills you will use in everyday driving.
You'll need them whenever you:
- Drive in heavy rain on dual carriageways or motorways and must leave more space and watch for spray.
- Set off early on winter mornings and may face ice, frost, snow or fog.
- Travel on exposed roads, bridges or coastal routes where strong winds can affect steering.
- Drive at sunrise or sunset when low sun can dazzle you and other road users.
In your practical driving test, examiners will expect you to show that you can adjust your speed, following
distance and use of lights to match the weather and road conditions.
Driving in bad weather theory test questions in the DVSA theory test
Driving in bad weather appears throughout the multiple-choice part of the DVSA theory test. You may be
asked:
- When to use headlights or fog lights in poor visibility.
- How to drive safely in heavy rain, snow, ice, fog or high winds.
- How bad weather affects stopping distances and vehicle control.
- What to do if your vehicle starts to aquaplane or skid.
Explore a sample of the latest DVSA theory test revision questions in Driving Theory 4 All's
theory test questions and answers
section.
Source: Department for Transport (GOV.UK) - The Highway Code. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.