Driving Conditions: Night, Weather & Passengers
Real-world driving means adapting to conditions that change hour by hour. These three skills cover the scenarios new drivers are statistically most at risk in.
Young drivers are disproportionately involved in night-time accidents and are at higher risk with passengers in the car. Understanding these skills could save your life.
Track Your Conditions ProgressDriving in the Dark
Night driving reduces visibility dramatically, makes hazard perception harder, and is more tiring. New drivers are significantly over-represented in night-time collisions — which is why this skill is part of the DVSA framework.
Night driving essentials
- ✓ Use dipped headlights from dusk to dawn and in poor visibility
- ✓ Switch to full beam on unlit roads when no oncoming traffic
- ✓ Dip headlights when you see oncoming lights — switch back after they pass
- ✓ Drive to your stopping distance — not beyond the range of your lights
- ✓ Watch for pedestrians in dark clothing, cyclists without lights
- ✓ Take breaks on long journeys — fatigue sets in faster at night
The 5 levels for Skill 24
- 1 Introduced: Instructor explains lights and night hazards
- 2 Helped: Drives at night with frequent support
- 3 Prompted: Generally safe; prompts for light use or speed
- 4 Independent: Drives confidently and safely in the dark
- 5 Reflection: Manages fatigue awareness; adjusts for glare and reduced visibility proactively
Weather Conditions
Rain, fog, ice, snow, and sun glare all require you to adapt your driving significantly. What works in dry conditions may be dangerous in adverse weather.
Adapting to conditions
- ✓Rain: Double the stopping distance; use wipers; reduce speed; watch for aquaplaning
- ✓Fog: Use fog lights when visibility is below 100m; don't overtake
- ✓Ice / snow: 10x stopping distance; gentle inputs; avoid braking on bends
- ✓Sun glare: Use sun visor; slow down if visibility impaired; increase following distance
- ✓Wind: Firm grip on the wheel; watch for vulnerable vehicles and pedestrians
The 5 levels for Skill 25
- 1 Introduced: Instructor explains each weather type
- 2 Helped: Drives in adverse weather with significant guidance
- 3 Prompted: Adapts to most conditions; needs prompts for extreme weather
- 4 Independent: Adjusts speed, distance, and technique for all weather types
- 5 Reflection: Judges when conditions require postponing the journey; proactively prepares
Passengers and Loads
Passengers — especially peers — significantly increase crash risk for young drivers. Research consistently shows that having friends in the car increases distraction. Understanding this risk is part of Skill 26.
Passengers and loads
- ✓ Driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers are belted
- ✓ Children under 12 or 135cm need appropriate car seats
- ✓ Don't allow passengers to distract you — ask them to be quiet if needed
- ✓ Loads must be secure — unsecured cargo can shift and affect handling
- ✓ Heavy loads lower the vehicle — adjust headlights and tyre pressure accordingly
- ✓ Don't exceed your vehicle's maximum load capacity
The 5 levels for Skill 26
- 1 Introduced: Instructor explains passenger responsibilities
- 2 Helped: Manages passengers with instructor guidance
- 3 Prompted: Generally handles passengers well; occasional distraction issues
- 4 Independent: Manages passengers and loads safely and confidently
- 5 Reflection: Understands peer pressure risks; sets boundaries and maintains focus
Tracking Progress Across Skills 24–26
Introduced
Following instructor guidance
Helped
Improving with assistance
Prompted
Mostly independent, occasional prompts
Independent
Consistent, confident performance
Reflection
Understands the why — test ready
Your instructor records your level on each skill after every lesson. Aim for Level 5 on all 27 skills before booking your test.
Track Your Driving Conditions Progress
Our software records your level on every skill after each lesson. Know exactly what to work on before test day.
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