Driving to the conditions
This domain tests whether you can adjust speed, following distance and vehicle control to the road, weather, light and traffic conditions, not just to the posted limit. A limit is a maximum for good conditions; the safe speed can be much lower.
Core rules
- Following distance: at least 2 seconds in good conditions and 4 seconds in rain, darkness or poor visibility. Increase further when towing or heavily loaded.
- Speed: drive below the limit if conditions require it. Rain, ice, fog, gravel and roadworks all reduce grip or visibility.
- Rain: reduce speed, avoid sudden braking, watch for aquaplaning and use headlights.
- Ice and frost: use gentle steering, braking and acceleration; increase the gap; avoid cruise control.
- Fog: use low beam, not high beam, because high beam reflects back.
- Night: use headlights and do not overdrive your lights.
- Towing or carrying loads: lower speed and allow a longer stopping distance.
Worked example
You are in a 100 km/h zone in steady rain with a 2-second gap. That gap is too short. Wet brakes and reduced tyre grip need more distance, so use at least 4 seconds. Pick a fixed point and count as the car ahead passes it; if you reach it before the count finishes, you are too close.
Traps
Treating the speed limit as a target; using high beam in fog; using cruise control on wet or icy roads; tailgating to stop others merging; and failing to use headlights in rain.