Learners urged to get ‘essential’ night-time driving experience

13.31 | 12 February 2020 |

The DVSA is encouraging learner drivers to take lessons in the dark, in a bid to cut the ‘high proportion’ of night-time collisions involving young drivers.

Research shows that up to 100,000 candidates may be taking their driving test each year without having practised driving in the dark.

This is despite the fact that 35% of collisions involving young drivers between 2014-18 happened at night.

The DVSA is highlighting the issue as part of a new campaign – and is calling on learners to gain the ‘essential’ experience of driving in the dark, whether with their driving instructor or through private practice.

As part of the campaign, the DVSA has published a blog post – as well as a series of tips for driving in the dark:

  • Watch your speed – you can’t see as far ahead when driving at night
  • Only overtake if you can see the road will remain clear until you’ve finished overtaking
  • Keep your windscreen clean and clear
  • Use full beam on unlit roads, but dip your headlights early enough to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers

Mark Winn, DVSA chief driving examiner, said: “DVSA’s priority is to help everyone through a lifetime of safe driving.

“It’s essential that all learners gain experience of driving in the dark, whether with their driving instructor or through private practice.

“Spotting hazards in reduced visibility is a skill built on experience. The more time a learner spends practising in different conditions, the better prepared they will be for driving safely on their own.”


 

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