Driving in All Conditions: What You Learn Behind the Wheel

Learning to drive isn’t about mastering the skill of acceleration, steering, and braking alone. Real driving skill comes in when driving in crowded city streets, in poor weather, and at night. Most new drivers become nervous about driving in high densities of cars, merging onto highways, and sharp stops—and that’s perfectly understandable!

At Northwest Driving School, our local driving programs teach you to drive confidently and in control, no matter the environment. We allow you to gain confidence and skill in rainy weather, driving at night, and driving during rush hour.

Here’s what you will learn in your driving lessons and why these skills are essential for becoming a safe and responsible driver.

Driving in Rainy or Wet Conditions

One of the first things you will learn is how to drive in safe conditions when the road is wet. It may be very tricky if you are not used to driving in the rain. Water on the road makes the ground slippery, increasing the possibility of sliding or skidding. Here’s what you need to do:

• Reduced Speed: One should not drive at fast speeds in rainy conditions. Water makes the road slippery, and driving your car at too much speed can cause a loss of control over your vehicle.

• Increase Following Distance: Give more space between your car and the signal vehicle. This allows for increased stopping time if the car in front of you suddenly stops.

• Use Your Wipers: Keeping your windshield wipers on helps you to see. You will learn when and how to use them.

These techniques will make you feel more comfortable and confident in the rain if practiced during driving lessons.

Related Blogs: Top Safety Measures for In-Car Driving Lessons You Should Know

Night Driving

Driving at night has many challenges. The driver has limited road visibility, making distance judgment or reading signs difficult. 

• Proper use of Headlights: You will put into practice the use of headlights where necessary and the use of high beams in rural areas where it would help see better. A driver should know when and how to use the lights at night.

• Go Slower: Since it’s dark, you will not be able to see very far ahead, so you will need to adjust your speed. In this way, you can react on time if something unexpected happens.

• Watch out for Pedestrians and Animals: At night, pedestrians and animals are not as quickly seen. Your instructors will teach additional caution under such conditions.

The night drive may be tricky, but once you have the proper training and practice, you will return with confidence behind the wheel in the dark.

Driving in Heavy Flow Conditions

All drivers face the reality of driving in heavy traffic. You must learn how to drive along busy areas so your life and those using the road will be safe. Northwest Driving School trains students to drive calmly and make wiser decisions when the traffic is heavy.

• Keep Your Eyes on the Road: One should keep an eye on the traffic flow and try to reduce or avoid becoming distracted. Your instructor will walk you through how to practice your attention to the other cars on the road and how to leave some space between yourself and other vehicles.

• Use Your Turn Signals: Changing lanes and turning require a turn signal to notify other drivers of your intentions. You’ll practice this in heavy flow conditions until it becomes instinctive.

• Merging with Traffic Correctly: At times, it is tricky to integrate into a traffic flow, and if the speed of the cars is fast, this is a big deal. You will learn how to safely and confidently integrate during your driving lessons.

With practice in heavy traffic with an instructor who has experience, you will be prepared to handle such situations when you come across them on your own.

Driving on Hills

You may have to drive on steep hills in some areas. These roads demand particular attention, and knowing what to do when driving up or down a grade is essential.

• Use Proper Gear: Your instructor will demonstrate how to shift the gear on your car when driving a manual up or down a hill and apply brakes to maintain control.

• Keep a Steady Speed: Driving up or down a hill makes the car work harder. You will practice keeping a constant speed without jerking.

• Check for oncoming cars: On the hilly road, there were a couple of opportunities where you need to watch out for vehicles coming in the opposite direction. You will practice keeping in one’s lane and checking for other cars.

Driving on Snow and Ice 

If you plan to drive in areas that have snow and ice, you must learn how to stay safe on these slick roads. While Northwest Driving School focuses mainly on the conditions in Nevada, where snow and ice are less common, our instructors will still teach you the basic techniques for handling these conditions.

• Drive Slowly and Smoothly: Because the snow and ice will interfere with the gripping between your tires and the road, you will study how to drive slowly and smoothly without sudden stops or fast movements.

• Know your Skid: When sliding or skidding begins to take place, learn what to do to regain control of your car.

• Winter Tires: Special tires can be used in snowy conditions to grip the road better. You’ll learn when and how to use those tires safely.

While driving in snow and ice is less common in Las Vegas, the techniques you learn will be helpful if you ever need to drive in these conditions. 

Handling Emergencies

Emergencies can occur at any time. Knowing what to do in an emergency is crucial, especially when dealing with a flat tire, a sudden breakdown, or something on the road that catches one off guard. In this scenario, learn how to keep oneself safe should the car break down on the road. This would include signaling for help by staying inside the vehicle and calling for help. 

Conclusion 

Driving in different conditions is a massive part of becoming a confident and competent driver. Here at Northwest Driving School, we give you behind-the-wheel lessons that will teach you how to control your car in any situation.
Enroll now with Northwest Driving School to become a professional driver and learn to take the road in harmful conditions. DMV has approved our instructors and will take you step by step until you are ready for anything behind the wheel!