Driving in snow and ice can be challenging, even for experienced drivers. Slippery roads, reduced visibility and longer stopping distances all make winter driving a little more demanding.
If you’re learning to drive, the thought of tackling icy roads might seem daunting. However, understanding how to adapt your driving to different weather conditions is an important part of becoming a safe, confident driver.
Here are some practical tips to help you stay safe, along with what to expect if you have driving lessons or a driving test booked during bad weather.
Will My Driving Lessons Continue in Snow and Ice?
At Geoff Capes Driving School, your safety is always our priority.
We aim to continue driving lessons whenever conditions are safe, but your instructor will assess the weather, road conditions and your experience before deciding whether a lesson should go ahead.
If conditions are suitable, driving in winter weather with an experienced instructor can be a valuable learning opportunity.
You’ll learn how to adjust your speed, maintain a safe distance and recognise potential hazards, all with the reassurance of your instructor beside you.
After all, once you’ve passed your test, you won’t always have the luxury of choosing perfect weather for every journey!
However, if conditions are unsafe, postponing a lesson is always the sensible option.
Will My Driving Test Be Cancelled Because of Snow?
Snow, ice, flooding or other severe weather can sometimes lead to driving tests being cancelled.
The DVSA will only conduct practical driving tests when conditions are safe for candidates, examiners and other road users.
If you have a test booked during bad weather:
- Check for updates from the DVSA.
- Look out for messages about your booking.
- Speak to your driving instructor if you’re unsure.
- Don’t assume your test has been cancelled simply because it’s snowing.
If the DVSA cancels your test because of bad weather, they’ll arrange another appointment.
You can find the latest information on the official GOV.UK website.
Tips for Driving Safely in Snow and Ice
Whether you’re taking driving lessons or have recently passed your test, these simple precautions can make a real difference.
1. Slow Down and Leave More Space
Stopping distances increase significantly on slippery roads. In icy conditions, they can be up to ten times longer than on dry roads.
Reduce your speed, leave a much larger gap between your car and the vehicle ahead, and allow extra time to react.
Avoid harsh braking, sudden acceleration and sharp steering movements, which could cause your tyres to lose grip.
2. Be Gentle With the Controls
Smooth, gradual movements are particularly important when driving on snow or ice.
Accelerate gently, steer smoothly and brake progressively.
If you’re learning in a manual car, your instructor will explain how to select suitable gears to help maintain control. If you’re taking automatic driving lessons, they’ll show you how to manage your speed and use any appropriate winter driving features.
The aim is the same in either car: avoid sudden movements that could cause a loss of traction.
3. Plan Your Journey Carefully
Before setting off, check the weather forecast and local traffic updates.
Main roads are often gritted before smaller residential roads, so choosing a well-maintained route may be safer.
Where possible, avoid steep hills, sharp bends and untreated roads.
And remember, if the weather is particularly severe, consider whether your journey is really necessary.
4. Clear Snow and Ice From Your Car
Before driving, make sure you have a clear view through all your windows.
Remove snow and ice from your windscreen, windows, mirrors and lights. Clear any snow from the roof and bonnet too, as it could slide or blow off while you’re driving.
Make sure your number plates are visible and your lights are working correctly.
A small patch cleared on the windscreen isn’t enough. You need to be able to see properly in every direction.
5. Use Your Lights Correctly
Winter weather can make visibility difficult, particularly during heavy snow.
Use dipped headlights when visibility is reduced rather than relying solely on daytime running lights.
Fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see more than 100 metres ahead. Remember to switch them off when visibility improves so they don’t dazzle other drivers.
6. Take Extra Care at Junctions and Roundabouts
Junctions, roundabouts and bends require extra care when roads are icy.
Start slowing down earlier than usual and avoid sudden braking or steering.
Be particularly cautious at junctions where other vehicles may struggle to stop.
Look well ahead, anticipate what other road users might do and give yourself plenty of time to make decisions.
If you’re still getting to grips with junctions, our guide to approaching T-junctions safely explains how to prepare, make observations and judge when it’s safe to proceed.
7. Allow Extra Time and Be Prepared
Winter journeys can take longer than expected, so leave plenty of time and avoid rushing.
It’s also sensible to keep a few essentials in your car, particularly for longer journeys:
- Warm clothing or a blanket
- A fully charged mobile phone
- An ice scraper and de-icer
- Water and a small snack
- A torch
A little preparation can make an unexpected delay much easier to manage.
What Should You Do if Your Car Starts to Skid?
Losing grip on an icy road can be frightening, especially if you’ve never experienced it before.
The most important thing is to remain calm and avoid sudden movements.
Ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly, looking towards where you want the car to go. The correct response will depend on how the vehicle is skidding, so avoid abrupt braking or steering corrections.
Modern vehicles have safety systems that can help, but they cannot overcome the laws of physics.
Your driving instructor can explain how slippery conditions affect vehicle control and why prevention is always better than having to recover from a skid.
Learning to Drive Safely in All Conditions
Learning to drive isn’t just about preparing for your practical test. It’s about developing the judgement and confidence to handle everyday driving, whatever the weather.
At Geoff Capes Driving School, our experienced, patient instructors help learners build their skills gradually, introducing different roads, traffic situations and conditions as their confidence grows.
Whether you’re a complete beginner, returning to lessons after a break or looking for a little extra reassurance, we’ll tailor your lessons to your needs.
Ready to start learning?
Find out more about our driving lessons or call our friendly office on 0161 327 2105 to discuss availability.
