DTT Driving in Adverse Conditions 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should you do if your car skids on ice due to over-braking?
- Release the brake, steer gently in the direction of the skid, and reapply brakes gently (Correct answer)
- Apply more brake pressure to stop the skid
- Accelerate briefly to regain traction
- Steer sharply in the opposite direction to the skid
Correct answer: Release the brake, steer gently in the direction of the skid, and reapply brakes gently
If braking causes a skid on ice, release the brake to allow wheels to turn again. Steer gently to correct the direction, then reapply brakes gradually once control is regained.
Question 2: What is the correct technique for descending a steep icy hill?
- Use engine braking in a low gear — avoid using the footbrake except gently if essential (Correct answer)
- Brake firmly at the top of the hill to control speed before descending
- Drive down in neutral to allow controlled coasting
- Use the handbrake to control speed on the descent
Correct answer: Use engine braking in a low gear — avoid using the footbrake except gently if essential
Descending an icy hill in a low gear uses engine braking to control speed without the risk of wheel lock from excessive braking. Neutral coasting removes engine braking and should be avoided.
Question 3: How does strong crosswind affect a vehicle and what should you do?
- It pushes the vehicle sideways — grip the steering firmly, reduce speed, and be especially careful when emerging from sheltered areas (Correct answer)
- Only affects motorcycles and high-sided vehicles
- Has no effect on modern cars with electronic stability control
- Drive closer to the centre line to avoid being pushed to the verge
Correct answer: It pushes the vehicle sideways — grip the steering firmly, reduce speed, and be especially careful when emerging from sheltered areas
Crosswinds push vehicles sideways. Be especially careful when exiting tunnels, passing gaps in hedges, or overtaking large vehicles. Grip the wheel firmly and slow down in exposed areas.
Question 4: What precautions should you take when driving in bright sun or low sun?
- Use sun visor and sunglasses, reduce speed, and increase following distance as glare reduces visibility (Correct answer)
- Wear sunglasses and maintain normal speed
- Dip the rear-view mirror and proceed normally
- Sun glare is a visibility issue only for motorcyclists
Correct answer: Use sun visor and sunglasses, reduce speed, and increase following distance as glare reduces visibility
Low sun glare can temporarily blind drivers. Use the sun visor and sunglasses, reduce speed, and increase following distance as your ability to see hazards ahead is severely impaired during glare episodes.
Question 5: What should you do before driving in snowy conditions?
- Clear all snow from the vehicle — roof, bonnet, windscreen, all windows, lights, and number plates (Correct answer)
- Clear only the driver's windscreen view before setting off
- Snow from the roof is not a concern — it will blow off at speed
- Only clear snow from the windows if it is more than 5 cm deep
Correct answer: Clear all snow from the vehicle — roof, bonnet, windscreen, all windows, lights, and number plates
All snow must be cleared from the entire vehicle before driving — especially the roof, as it can slide onto the windscreen or blow off onto following vehicles. Lights and number plates must also be clear.
Question 6: At what road surface temperature does ice typically form?
- At or below 0°C — but risk increases significantly around 2-3°C when moisture freezes on cooling roads (Correct answer)
- Below -5°C only
- Any temperature below 10°C in wet conditions
- Ice only forms on exposed bridges and elevated roads
Correct answer: At or below 0°C — but risk increases significantly around 2-3°C when moisture freezes on cooling roads
Ice can form when the road surface temperature drops to 0°C. Bridges and elevated sections cool faster than surrounding roads. The critical risk window is when the air temperature is around 2-3°C and falling.
DTT Driving in Adverse Conditions 2
What should you do if your car skids on ice due to over-braking?