Driving in Rain, Fog & Weather Conditions

Learn how rain, fog, and other weather affects grip, visibility, and stopping distances. Handle standing water, aquaplaning, and low-visibility driving with confidence.

Driving Conditions (24-26)7 min readLast updated: May 2026

Reviewed by Chris Jackson, DVSA-approved ADILast reviewed: May 2026

The full guide

Rain reduces grip and increases stopping distances. In wet conditions double your following distance and use the four-second rule. Fog dramatically cuts visibility: use dipped headlights and fog lights when visibility drops below 100 metres. Never use full beam in fog. In both conditions, slow down, increase your gap, and stay smooth on the controls.

Be aware that ADAS features such as lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control may work less well (or even switch off) in heavy rain, fog, or standing water. Sensors and cameras can be obscured by spray, dirt, or condensation. Never rely on ADAS in poor weather; increase your following distance, reduce your speed, and make all observations and decisions yourself.

Common faults

Driving too fast for wet or foggy conditions.
Following too closely in reduced visibility.
Using full beam in fog.
Not reducing speed before standing water.
Panicking on aquaplaning.
Forgetting to switch on fog lights when needed.
Relying on ADAS instead of compensating for poor weather yourself

What the examiner looks for

Appropriate speed for the conditions.
Correct headlight and fog light use.
Maintaining safe following distances.
Smooth control without harsh braking.
Awareness of reduced grip and visibility.
Planning ahead for weather changes.

Quick tips

Double your following distance in rain.
Use your wipers and keep the windscreen clean.
Test brakes gently after deep water.
Open your window slightly at junctions in fog.
Never stop on the carriageway in fog.
Clean sensors and cameras around the car so ADAS systems work as well as possible

Common questions about driving in rain, fog & weather conditions

Do ADAS systems work properly in heavy rain or fog?

Often not as well as in clear weather. Sensors and cameras can be blocked by spray, dirt, or condensation, and some systems may reduce function or switch off. Always drive for the conditions yourself and never rely on ADAS in poor weather.

When should I use fog lights?

Only when visibility is below 100 metres. Switch them off as soon as visibility improves to avoid dazzling others.

What is aquaplaning?

Aquaplaning happens when water builds between your tyres and the road. Ease off the accelerator and hold the wheel straight. Do not brake suddenly.

How much should I slow down in rain?

Reduce speed by at least a third and increase following distance to four seconds or more.

What if I cannot see ahead in fog?

Find a safe place to pull over and stop. Turn on hazard lights. Do not continue blindly.

Can I fail for driving too slowly in rain?

You can fail for inappropriate speed in either direction, but driving too fast in the rain is more likely to cause a fail.

What about driving in snow or ice?

Drive extremely slowly, use second gear to avoid wheelspin, be gentle with all controls, and avoid steep hills if possible.

Ready to put this into practice?

These guides are a great starting point, but nothing replaces working with a DVSA-approved instructor who can give you real-time feedback.

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