Driving in adverse conditions and at night
What this domain tests
Adverse conditions and night driving questions test whether you can adapt speed, lighting and space to reduced visibility and grip. Saint Lucia's rain, flooding, potholes and unlit roads make this a practical domain, not a theoretical one.
Rain and flooding
- Wet roads reduce grip and increase stopping distance; double the following gap.
- Use dipped headlights in rain, even in daytime, so others can see you.
- Aquaplaning happens when tyres ride on water: ease off the accelerator, keep the steering straight and do not brake hard.
- Do not drive through floodwater of unknown depth. It can hide potholes, wash away the road edge or stall the engine.
Fog, wind and night
- In fog use dipped headlights or fog lights; high beam reflects back and reduces visibility.
- In strong crosswinds, reduce speed and hold the steering firmly, especially when passing gaps in buildings or trees.
- At night, drive so you can stop within the distance lit by your headlights. Dip your beam for oncoming traffic and do not stare at bright lights.
- Keep the windscreen clean inside and out to reduce glare.
Worked example
You meet a flooded section after heavy rain. The depth is unknown and the centre line is submerged. The safe choice is to stop, turn around and find another route. Driving in could float the car, flood the engine or drop a wheel into a scoured hole.
Traps
Using high beam in fog; driving with hazard lights on while moving; assuming a familiar road is unchanged after rain; and following too closely at night. Reduce speed and increase space before the conditions force you to.