Learner drivers are being encouraged to take lessons in the dark, in a bid to cut the ‘high proportion’ of night-time collisions involving young drivers.
Analysis shows that up to 100,000 candidates may be taking their driving test each year without having practised night time driving.
This is despite the fact more than a third (35%) of collisions involving young drivers between 2014-18 happened at night.
The DVSA is highlighting the issue as part of a campaign – and is calling on learners to gain the essential experience of driving in the dark, with their driving instructor or through private practice.
Tips for driving in the dark
For more information, 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.”
Read their full blog by clicking here
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Approved Driving Instructors who are part of the Engage Driving scheme cover subjects like this as this as part of their lessons.
