Potholes are an all-too-familiar sight on UK roads, and they’re not just an annoyance. Hitting one can damage your tyres, wheels or suspension, and trying to avoid one at the last moment can be just as dangerous.

If you’re learning to drive, knowing how to spot potholes and deal with them safely is another important skill to develop.

Why Are Potholes a Problem?

Potholes can appear on almost any road, sometimes in places you least expect them. Some are relatively small, while others can be deep enough to cause serious damage to your vehicle.

Driving through a pothole can result in:

  • Damage to tyres or alloy wheels.
  • Problems with suspension or steering alignment.
  • Loss of control, particularly if you hit a pothole at speed.
  • Sudden braking or swerving that puts other road users at risk.

The good news is that being observant and adjusting your driving to the road conditions can help you avoid many of these problems.

What Should You Do If You Spot a Pothole?

Look ahead and anticipate hazards. The earlier you spot a pothole, the more time you’ll have to decide how to deal with it.

If there’s enough space to safely steer around it, you can do so, but always check your surroundings first. Never swerve suddenly into another lane or towards an oncoming vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian.

If you can’t avoid the pothole safely, reduce your speed gradually while maintaining control of the vehicle. Avoid harsh braking or sudden steering movements as you reach it.

Remember, it’s better to drive through a pothole carefully than put yourself or another road user at risk trying to avoid it.

What If You Hit a Pothole?

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, hitting a pothole is unavoidable.

If you hit a particularly deep pothole or notice anything unusual afterwards, find somewhere safe to stop and check your vehicle.

Look for obvious tyre or wheel damage and pay attention to any unusual noises, vibrations or changes in the steering. If you suspect the vehicle has been damaged, don’t continue driving until it’s safe to do so.

Learning to Recognise Road Hazards

Spotting potholes is just one part of developing good hazard awareness.

During your driving lessons, your instructor will help you learn to look further ahead, recognise potential hazards and make safe decisions without rushing.

It’s a skill that becomes more natural with experience and one that will be useful long after you’ve passed your driving test.

Unfortunately, potholes aren’t likely to disappear overnight! But learning how to respond calmly and safely will help you become a more confident driver, whatever condition the roads are in.