Extreme Driving Conditions
What the exam tests
Extreme conditions cover winter, rain, fog, hot weather, and mountains. Questions test how weather changes traction, visibility, and vehicle behavior.
Core rules
- Winter: remove snow and ice, use gentle controls, and install chains when required.
- Rain: reduce speed to avoid hydroplaning and do not use cruise control.
- Fog: use low beams and slow down; do not use high beams.
- Hot weather: check tires and watch for pressure changes.
- Mountains: use lower gears and engine braking on descents.
Worked example
You enter a fog bank on a highway. Slow down, switch to low beams, and increase following distance. High beams reflect off the fog and reduce visibility. The reasoning is that fog scatters light, so lower beams and lower speed preserve what visibility you have.
Traps that cost marks
- Using cruise control on wet roads, which can cause a loss of control.
- Assuming four-wheel drive improves stopping on ice.
- Using high beams in fog or snow.
- Ignoring tire pressure changes in hot weather.
Exam tip
Extreme-condition answers usually slow down, increase space, and use gentler inputs.