Driving when visibility is reduced

When should a driver use dipped headlights?

From just after dusk to just before dawn

What lights should a vehicle show at dusk?

Dipped headlights

What are the possible consequences of having incorrectly adjusted headlights?

Oncoming road users could be dazzled

When driving at night, when must a driver dip the vehicle’s full headlights?

When meeting or driving behind other traffic

When driving at night and blinded by the lights of an oncoming vehicle, what should a driver do?

Look towards the verge and slow down and stop if necessary

A driver has been driving regularly in daylight and must now undertake a journey at night. What should the driver do?

Drive at a slower speed than in the day as visibility is reduced at night

With regard to vehicle speed, what should a driver do when driving at night?

Drive at a speed that enables the driver to stop within the distance ahead that they can see to be clear

When driving at night, what is the safest approach for a driver to adopt?

Drive at a speed that enables the driver to stop within the distance ahead that they can see to be clear

When meeting an oncoming vehicle at night, what should a driver do?

Avoid looking directly at the oncoming vehicle’s lights

When is it safe for a driver to use the main beam headlights when driving at night?

When there is no oncoming traffic

What lights should a driver have on when driving behind other traffic at night?

Dipped headlights

When driving at night, when must a driver use dipped headlights?

When meeting or driving behind other traffic

When dazzled by the lights of an oncoming vehicle, what should a driver do?

Do not look directly at the lights

What lights should be shown on a parked car, tractor or works vehicle at night on an unlit public road?

At least one side lamp front and rear on the side nearest to the centre of the road

When can a driver expect to encounter black ice?

When the temperature drops close to freezing

What should a driver do if there is black ice on the road?

Avoid harsh braking, steering and acceleration

Where is black ice likely to occur on the road?

In sheltered or shaded areas

What is the safest practice when driving on icy roads?

Drive at a slower speed than usual using gentle acceleration and braking

When driving, what effect could icy roads have on the vehicle?

The vehicle would be more likely to skid

Apart from the risk of skidding, what should the driver be aware of when driving in snow?

Road signs and road markings may become obscured

What is the danger in driving at high speeds on wet roads?

Danger of ‘aquaplaning’ or sliding across the road surface

What should the driver allow for when following the bus on an icy road?

A longer braking distance is required

How should a driver manage a steep hill or humpbacked bridge when the road is slippery?

Drive with extreme care

What should a driver do when they encounter mud on the road?

Reduce speed and be aware of farm or works vehicles on the road

What should a driver do after passing through a flooded section of road?

Apply the brake pedal lightly at slow speed for a short distance to dry the brakes

What should a driver do where a section of road ahead has a shallow flooded area?

Drive in a low gear as slowly as possible keeping the revs high

What should a driver be aware of when driving through a section of road where roadworks are ongoing?

Narrower lanes than usual and restricted shoulder areas