25 Sep Driving in Bad Weather – Tips for Rain, Snow, Fog and Ice
Driving in Bad Weather: Rain, Snow, Fog, Ice and Strong Winds
Learn how to adapt your speed, following distance, visibility and vehicle control when driving in difficult UK weather conditions.
Bad weather changes how your car responds and how much time you have to react.
Rain, snow, ice, fog and strong winds can affect:
- tyre grip;
- stopping distance;
- visibility;
- steering;
- braking;
- the behaviour of other road users; and
- the amount of space you need around the vehicle.
The safest response is usually to reduce your speed, increase your following distance, make all control inputs smoothly and avoid making a journey when conditions become genuinely dangerous.
Bad-Weather Driving: Quick Rules
- Reduce your speed to suit the conditions.
- Increase the space between you and the vehicle ahead.
- Use smooth steering, braking and acceleration.
- Make sure windows, mirrors and lights are clear.
- Use the correct lights for visibility.
- Expect road conditions to change suddenly.
- Give vulnerable road users additional room.
- Check weather and travel warnings before longer journeys.
- Do not continue simply because you originally planned to travel.
The Highway Code requires drivers to adapt their driving to adverse weather rather than treating the posted speed limit as a target regardless of conditions.
How Bad Weather Affects Stopping Distances
Road grip can fall significantly in poor weather.
Current Highway Code guidance says:
- stopping distances in wet weather are at least double those on dry roads; and
- on icy roads, stopping distances can be up to ten times greater.
This means your normal following gap may not be enough.
As conditions worsen:
- slow down earlier;
- leave more room;
- avoid late braking;
- look further ahead; and
- plan for the possibility that the vehicle in front may stop suddenly.
Driving in Heavy Rain
Heavy rain can reduce tyre grip, obscure road markings, create spray and make pedestrians or cyclists harder to see.
In wet weather:
- reduce your speed;
- increase your following distance;
- use dipped headlights where visibility requires them;
- keep both hands ready for steering corrections;
- avoid sudden braking;
- avoid abrupt acceleration;
- look for standing water;
- watch for spray from large vehicles; and
- take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.
The Highway Code states that wet-road stopping distances should be expected to be at least twice those required on dry roads.
What Is Aquaplaning?
Aquaplaning happens when a layer of water builds between the tyres and road surface, causing the tyres to lose effective contact with the road.
You may notice:
- the steering suddenly feels unusually light;
- the vehicle feels less responsive;
- engine revs may change; or
- the car feels as though it is floating or sliding.
If the steering becomes unresponsive in heavy rain:
- ease off the accelerator;
- avoid sudden braking;
- keep steering inputs smooth;
- allow the vehicle to slow gradually; and
- wait for the tyres to regain grip.
Prevention is better than recovery. Slow down before large areas of standing water and make sure your tyres are in good condition.
Driving Through Standing or Flood Water
Avoid flood water where possible.
Water can:
- hide road damage;
- hide debris;
- be deeper than it appears;
- cause loss of grip;
- affect brakes;
- damage the engine or electrical systems; and
- move a vehicle if the flow is strong enough.
Never assume that because another vehicle crossed safely, yours can do the same.
If you are unsure of the depth or flow, choose another route.
After passing through shallow water where it was safe to do so, gently test the brakes when appropriate to make sure they are responding normally.
Driving in Snow and Ice
Snow and ice can dramatically reduce tyre grip and increase stopping distance.
The Highway Code advises drivers not to travel in snowy or icy conditions unless the journey is essential.
If you do need to drive:
- allow much more time;
- drive slowly;
- use the highest suitable gear where possible to reduce wheelspin;
- accelerate gently;
- brake gently;
- steer smoothly;
- leave a very large following gap;
- slow before bends rather than while cornering; and
- expect grip levels to change from one section of road to another.
Stopping distances on icy roads can be up to ten times greater than on dry roads.
Watch for Black Ice
Black ice can be especially dangerous because it may be difficult to see.
It is more likely in places such as:
- bridges;
- shaded roads;
- areas beside water;
- country roads;
- untreated side roads; and
- areas where temperatures remain below freezing.
Possible warning signs include:
- very little tyre noise;
- steering feeling unusually light;
- other vehicles losing grip;
- frost remaining on nearby surfaces; or
- road sections that look unexpectedly shiny.
Avoid sudden steering, acceleration or braking if you suspect ice.
Prepare the Car Before Driving in Snow
Before setting off:
- clear all snow and ice from every window;
- demist the windows fully;
- clear mirrors;
- clear lights;
- make sure number plates are visible;
- remove loose snow from the roof and vehicle body;
- check the planned route; and
- check for further weather warnings.
You must be able to see properly before driving.
The Highway Code also recommends carrying winter emergency equipment on essential journeys in snowy conditions, including items such as warm clothing, a torch and basic emergency supplies.
Driving in Fog
Fog reduces how far you can see and makes it harder to judge the speed and distance of other vehicles.
Before entering fog:
- check your mirrors;
- reduce your speed;
- make sure the correct lights are on; and
- prepare for visibility to change quickly.
While driving in fog:
- keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead;
- do not simply follow another car’s rear lights;
- drive at a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see to be clear;
- use your windscreen wipers and demisters where needed;
- check mirrors before slowing;
- use brake lights to warn traffic behind when slowing; and
- take particular care at junctions with restricted visibility.
When Should You Use Fog Lights?
You must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced — generally when you cannot see for more than about 100 metres.
You may also use front or rear fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced.
However:
- do not use fog lights simply because it is raining;
- do not leave them on when visibility improves;
- remember that they can dazzle other road users; and
- rear fog lights can make brake lights harder to distinguish.
The Highway Code requires fog lights to be switched off when visibility improves.
Do Not Use Full Beam in Thick Fog
Full-beam headlights can reflect back from fog and make visibility worse.
Use appropriate dipped lighting and fog lights where conditions meet the requirements rather than assuming brighter always means better visibility.
Driving in Strong Winds
Strong crosswinds can move vehicles unexpectedly.
Risk is often greatest:
- on exposed roads;
- on bridges;
- when passing gaps in hedges;
- when leaving sheltered areas;
- when overtaking high-sided vehicles; and
- when large vehicles create turbulence.
Reduce speed and keep a firm but relaxed grip on the steering wheel.
Give extra space to:
- cyclists;
- motorcyclists;
- horse riders; and
- high-sided vehicles.
These road users can be moved sideways suddenly by strong gusts.
Driving in Bright Sun and Glare
Bad weather is not the only condition that can reduce visibility.
Low sun can make it difficult to see:
- traffic lights;
- pedestrians;
- cyclists;
- road markings;
- vehicles ahead; and
- junction entrances.
If you are dazzled:
- slow down;
- increase your following distance;
- use the sun visor where appropriate;
- keep the windscreen clean; and
- stop safely if you cannot see well enough to continue.
Hot Weather Can Affect Driving Too
High temperatures can contribute to tiredness and reduced concentration.
The Highway Code advises keeping the vehicle well ventilated to reduce drowsiness.
Be aware that:
- road surfaces can soften in extreme heat;
- rain after a long dry spell can make the road unusually slippery;
- glare can affect visibility; and
- fatigue can affect reaction time and judgement.
Use Smooth Vehicle Controls
Sudden inputs can reduce grip or destabilise the car on slippery roads.
Try to make:
- steering smooth;
- acceleration progressive;
- braking gradual;
- gear changes controlled; and
- speed reductions early.
This is especially important on:
- ice;
- snow;
- wet bends;
- standing water; and
- loose or contaminated road surfaces.
Give Vulnerable Road Users More Space
Poor weather can make conditions especially difficult for:
- pedestrians;
- cyclists;
- motorcyclists;
- horse riders; and
- people using mobility aids.
They may:
- move unexpectedly to avoid puddles;
- be blown sideways by wind;
- have reduced visibility;
- lose grip; or
- need more time to cross the road.
Slow down and give them additional space.
Check Your Vehicle Before Bad Weather
Good vehicle condition matters more when grip and visibility are reduced.
Check:
- tyre tread and condition;
- tyre pressures;
- windscreen wipers;
- windscreen washer fluid;
- headlights;
- brake lights;
- indicators;
- fog lights;
- demisters;
- screen cleanliness; and
- fuel level or battery charge.
A small fault that is inconvenient in good weather can become much more serious in poor conditions.
Know Your Wipers, Lights and Demisters
Bad weather is not the time to start searching around the dashboard for controls.
Before driving, know how to operate:
- front wipers;
- rear wipers;
- front and rear washers;
- dipped headlights;
- fog lights;
- front demister;
- rear demister; and
- heating and ventilation.
Should You Drive at All?
Sometimes the safest decision is not to make the journey.
Consider delaying or changing your plans where:
- roads are icy;
- flooding is reported;
- fog is extremely thick;
- winds are severe;
- authorities advise against travel;
- you do not feel confident in the conditions; or
- your vehicle is not properly prepared.
The Highway Code specifically advises against driving in snow or ice unless the journey is essential.
What If Weather Gets Worse While You Are Driving?
If conditions deteriorate:
- reduce your speed;
- increase your following distance;
- use the correct lights;
- avoid abrupt manoeuvres;
- look for a safe alternative route; and
- consider stopping in a suitable place if it is no longer safe to continue.
If you need to stop, choose a place of relative safety rather than stopping in a dangerous position beside fast-moving traffic.
Driving Tests and Bad Weather
Driving tests are not carried out when weather conditions are considered dangerous.
GOV.UK gives examples including:
- icy roads;
- flooding;
- thick fog; and
- high winds.
If severe weather affects your test day, check your booking information and contact the test centre if instructed to do so.
If DVSA cannot carry out the test because of bad weather, it will normally arrange another appointment.
Learning to Drive in Bad Weather
Once you have enough basic vehicle control, suitable experience in different conditions can help you become a more capable driver.
With an instructor, bad-weather lessons can help you practise:
- adjusting speed;
- increasing following distance;
- using lights correctly;
- using wipers and demisters;
- braking earlier;
- recognising standing water;
- managing reduced visibility; and
- making safer decisions about whether to continue.
Fast Pass provides direct manual driving lessons across selected areas of Glasgow, East Dunbartonshire and nearby areas, subject to availability.
Driving in Bad Weather FAQs
How much longer is the stopping distance in rain?
The Highway Code says stopping distances in wet conditions should be expected to be at least twice those required on dry roads.
How much longer can stopping distances be on ice?
On icy roads they can be up to ten times greater than on dry roads.
When should I use fog lights?
They may be used when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than about 100 metres. Switch them off when visibility improves.
What should I do if my car starts aquaplaning?
Ease off the accelerator, avoid sudden braking and keep steering smooth while the vehicle slows and the tyres regain grip.
Should I use full beam in fog?
No. Full beam can reflect back from fog and make visibility worse.
Should I drive in snow and ice?
The Highway Code advises avoiding driving in snowy or icy conditions unless the journey is essential.
What should I do in strong winds?
Reduce speed, expect sudden crosswinds and give extra room to cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and high-sided vehicles.
Can a driving test be cancelled because of bad weather?
Yes. DVSA does not carry out driving tests where conditions are considered dangerous, including circumstances such as ice, flooding, thick fog or high winds.
Adapt to the Conditions, Not Just the Speed Limit
Bad-weather driving is about giving yourself more time, more space and more options. Slow down, look further ahead and use the vehicle controls smoothly.
