Special conditions: weather, darkness and road types
What this domain tests
This domain tests your judgement in rain, wind, snow, darkness, and on rural or motorway roads. A C1E combination is more affected by weather than a car because of its height, mass, and trailer.
Rain and slippery roads
- Increase following distance; wet roads lengthen braking distance.
- Avoid sudden steering and braking; a trailer can jackknife or sway on low-friction surfaces.
- Aquaplaning reduces steering and braking; ease off the accelerator and keep the wheel steady.
- Use dipped headlights in rain and poor visibility.
Wind and snow
Crosswinds affect the trailer and the lorry's high sides. Grip the wheel firmly and reduce speed on exposed bridges and open stretches. In snow, drive smoothly and use winter tyres appropriate to the conditions; Denmark does not require them by law in all cases, but they are necessary when conditions demand. Fit snow chains only where permitted and when needed.
Darkness
Use dipped headlights when meeting traffic and in built-up areas. Do not use main beam when it dazzles oncoming drivers or follows another vehicle closely. Keep windscreen and mirrors clean; glare is worse with a dirty screen. Watch for unlit cyclists and pedestrians.
Road types
On rural roads expect tractors, cyclists, and hidden junctions. On motorways, keep right, use mirrors before lane changes, and allow for the trailer when joining or leaving. In tunnels, keep dipped lights on and maintain distance.
Worked example
You are driving a lightly loaded C1E combination across an exposed bridge in strong crosswind. Reasoned answer: reduce speed smoothly, keep both hands on the wheel, avoid a sudden steering correction, and allow extra space. A light trailer is more likely to sway, so do not accelerate to "push through" the gust.
Traps that cost marks
- Using main beam behind another vehicle.
- Braking hard on a wet bend with a trailer.
- Assuming ABS removes the need to reduce speed in rain.
- Ignoring crosswind warnings on bridges.
- Following too closely in spray and darkness.