Driving in adverse weather conditions

Question 1

Overview

Answer 1

You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves

Question 2

How should you drive in wet weather?

Answer 2

In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads. This is because your tyres have less grip on the road. In wet weather:

● you should keep well back from the vehicle in front. This will increase your ability to see and plan ahead

● if the steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually

● the rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen

● be aware of the dangers of spilt diesel that will make the surface very slippery (see Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security)

● take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.

Question 3

How should you prepare for driving in winter?

Answer 3

In winter check the local weather forecast for warnings of icy or snowy weather.

DO NOT drive in these conditions unless your journey is essential. If it is, take great care and allow more time for your journey.

Take an emergency kit of de­icer and ice scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, together with a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down.

Question 4

What you should you do before setting off in icy and snowy weather?

Answer 4

Before you set off
● you MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all
your windows
● you MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates
are clearly visible and legible
● make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are
demisted thoroughly
● remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other
road users
● check your planned route is clear of delays and that no
further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted.

Question 5

What should you do when driving in icy and snowy weather?

Answer 5

When driving in icy or snowy weather
● drive with care, even if the roads have been treated
● keep well back from the road user in front as stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads
● take care when overtaking vehicles spreading salt or other de­icer, particularly if you are riding a motorcycle or cycle
● Watch out for snowploughs which may throw out snow on either side. Do not overtake them unless the lane you intend to use has been cleared
● be prepared for the road conditions to change over relatively short distances
● Listen to travel bulletins and take note of variable message signs that may provide information about weather, road and traffic conditions ahead.

Question 6

How should you drive carefully in icy and snowy weather?

Answer 6

Drive extremely carefully when the roads are icy. Avoid sudden actions as these could cause loss of control. You should
● drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible; accelerate and brake very gently
● drive particularly slowly on bends where loss of control is more likely. Brake progressively on the straight before you reach a bend. Having slowed down, steer smoothly round the bend, avoiding sudden actions
● check your grip on the road surface when there is snow or ice by choosing a safe place to brake gently. If the steering feels unresponsive this may indicate ice and your vehicle losing its grip on the road. When travelling on ice, tyres make virtually no noise.

Question 7

Which vehicles are most at risk from windy weather?

Answer 7

High­sided vehicles are most affected by windy weather, but strong gusts can also blow a car, cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider off course. This can happen on open stretches of road exposed to strong crosswinds, or when passing bridges or gaps in hedges.

Question 8

How can you reduce the risk from windy weather?

Answer 8

In very windy weather your vehicle may be affected by turbulence created by large vehicles. Motorcyclists are particularly affected, so keep well back from them when they are overtaking a high­sided vehicle.

Question 9

What should you do before entering fog?

Answer 9

Before entering fog check your mirrors then slow down. If the word ‘Fog’ is shown on a roadside signal but the road is clear, be prepared for a bank of fog or drifting patchy fog ahead. Even if it seems to be clearing, you can suddenly find yourself in thick fog.

Question 10

What should you do when driving in fog?

Answer 10

When driving in fog you should
● use your lights as required
● keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front. Rear lights can give a false sense of security
● be able to pull up well within the distance you can see
clearly. This is particularly important on motorways and dual carriageways, as vehicles are travelling faster
● use your windscreen wipers and demisters
● beware of other drivers not using headlights
● not accelerate to get away from a vehicle which is too close behind you
● check your mirrors before you slow down. Then use your brakes so that your brake lights warn drivers behind you that you are slowing down
● stop in the correct position at a junction with limited
visibility and listen for traffic. When you are sure it is safe to emerge, do so positively and do not hesitate in a position that puts you directly in the path of approaching vehicles.

Question 11

What MUSTN’T you do when driving in fog?

Answer 11

You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.

Question 12

What should you do when when driving in hot weather?

Answer 12

Keep your vehicle well ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Be aware that the road surface may become soft or if it rains after a dry spell it may become slippery. These conditions could affect your steering and braking. If you are dazzled by bright sunlight, slow down and if necessary, stop.

Question 13

Where should you NOT wait and park?

Answer 13

You MUST NOT wait or park on yellow lines during the times of operation shown on nearby time plates (or zone entry signs if in a Controlled Parking Zone) – download ‘Traffic signs’ and ‘Road markings’ .

Double yellow lines indicate a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs. You MUST NOT wait or park, or stop to set down and pick up passengers, on school entrance markings (download ‘Road markings’) when upright signs indicate a prohibition of stopping.

Question 14

What should you do when parking your vehicle?

Answer 14

Use off­street parking areas, or bays marked out with white lines on the road as parking places, wherever possible. If you have to stop on the roadside
● do not park facing against the traffic flow
● stop as close as you can to the side
● do not stop too close to a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge: remember, the occupant may need more room to get in or out
● you MUST switch off the engine, headlights and fog lights
● you MUST apply the handbrake before leaving the vehicle
● you MUST ensure you do not hit anyone when you open your door. Check for cyclists or other traffic
● it is safer for your passengers (especially children) to get out
of the vehicle on the side next to the kerb
● put all valuables out of sight and make sure your vehicle is
secure
● lock your vehicle.

Question 15

You MUST NOT stop or park on?

Answer 15

You MUST NOT stop or park on
● the carriageway or the hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency
● a pedestrian crossing, including the area marked by the
zig­zag lines
● a clearway
● taxi bays as indicated by upright signs and markings
● an Urban Clearway within its hours of operation, except to pick up or set down passengers
● a road marked with double white lines, even when a broken white line is on your side of the road, except to pick up or set down passengers, or to load or unload goods
● a tram or cycle lane during its period of operation
● a cycle track
● red lines, in the case of specially designated ‘red routes’, unless otherwise indicated by signs. Any vehicle may enter a bus lane to stop, load or unload where this is not prohibited

Question 16

Where is parking prohibited?

Answer 16

You MUST NOT park in parking spaces reserved for specific users, such as Blue Badge holders, residents or motorcycles, unless entitled to do so.

You MUST NOT leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road.

DO NOT stop or park
● near a school entrance
● anywhere you would prevent access for Emergency Services
● at or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank
● on the approach to a level crossing/tramway crossing
● opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space
● near the brow of a hill or hump bridge
● opposite a traffic island or (if this would cause an
obstruction) another parked vehicle
● where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane
● where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users
and powered mobility vehicles
● in front of an entrance to a property
● on a bend
● where you would obstruct cyclists’ use of cycle
facilities except when forced to do so by stationary traffic.

You MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London, and should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it. Parking on the pavement can obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and people with prams or pushchairs.

Question 17

What are the rules about controlled parking zones?

Answer 17

Controlled Parking Zones. The zone entry signs indicate the times when the waiting restrictions within the zone are in force. Parking may be allowed in some places at other times. Otherwise parking will be within separately signed and marked bays.

Question 18

What are the rules about goods vehicles?

Answer 18

Goods vehicles. Vehicles with a maximum laden weight of over 7.5 tonnes (including any trailer) MUST NOT be parked on a verge, pavement or any land situated between carriageways, without police permission. The only exception is when parking is essential for loading and unloading, in which case the vehicle MUST NOT be left unattended.

Question 19

What are the rules about loading and unloading?

Answer 19

Loading and unloading. Do not load or unload where there are yellow markings on the kerb and upright signs advise restrictions are in place (see pages 115­116). This may be permitted where parking is otherwise restricted. On red routes, specially marked and signed bays indicate where and when loading and unloading is permitted.

Question 20

What are the rules about parking at night?

Answer 20

You MUST NOT park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space.

All vehicles MUST display parking lights when parked on a road or a lay­by on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 mph (48 km/h).

Cars, goods vehicles not exceeding 1525 kg unladen weight, invalid carriages, motorcycles and pedal cycles may be parked without lights on a road (or lay­by) with a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) or less if they are
● at least 10 metres (32 feet) away from any junction, close to the kerb and facing in the direction of the traffic flow
● in a recognised parking place or lay­by. Other vehicles and trailers, and all vehicles with projecting loads,
MUST NOT be left on a road at night without lights.

Question 21

What are the rules about parking in fog?

Answer 21

It is especially dangerous to park on the road in fog. If it is unavoidable, leave your parking lights or sidelights on.

Question 22

What are the rules about parking on hills?

Answer 22

If you park on a hill you should
● park close to the kerb and apply the handbrake firmly
● select a forward gear and turn your steering wheel away from the kerb when facing uphill
● select reverse gear and turn your steering wheel towards the kerb when facing downhill
● use ‘park’ if your car has an automatic gearbox.

Question 23

What is DPE (Decriminalised Parking Enforcement)

Answer 23

DPE is becoming increasingly common as more authorities take on this role. The local traffic authority assumes responsibility for enforcing many parking contraventions in place of the police. Further details on DPE may be found at the following websites:

Traffic penalty tribunal (outside London)
Parking and traffic appeals service (inside London)