DTT Driving in Adverse Conditions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How should you drive through a ford (water crossing on a road)?
- Check depth, drive slowly in first gear with steady revs, test brakes after exiting (Correct answer)
- Drive at moderate speed to maintain a bow wave
- Only cross if the depth is less than your bumper height
- Wait for another vehicle to cross first to judge safe depth
Correct answer: Check depth, drive slowly in first gear with steady revs, test brakes after exiting
Before crossing, check the water depth is safe. Cross slowly in first gear at low speed to avoid water ingestion. After exiting, test brakes gently as they may be wet and less effective.
Question 2: What is the effect of very heavy rain on motorway driving at 120 km/h?
- Aquaplaning risk is high — speed must be reduced significantly even below the speed limit (Correct answer)
- Speed limit should be maintained for traffic flow
- ABS prevents aquaplaning — speed adjustment is unnecessary
- Only light vehicles are affected — heavy cars have lower aquaplaning risk
Correct answer: Aquaplaning risk is high — speed must be reduced significantly even below the speed limit
Heavy rain at motorway speeds creates significant aquaplaning risk where tyres cannot displace water fast enough. Reducing speed well below the posted limit is essential for safety.
Question 3: How should you use your headlights when driving into a low winter sun?
- Use dipped headlights to make your vehicle more visible to oncoming traffic (Correct answer)
- Switch off headlights — glare worsens the problem for oncoming drivers
- Use hazard lights to signal reduced visibility
- Full beam makes you more visible in these conditions
Correct answer: Use dipped headlights to make your vehicle more visible to oncoming traffic
In low sun conditions, use dipped headlights even in daylight. While you may find it hard to see due to glare, dipped headlights help oncoming drivers see your vehicle against the bright background.
Question 4: How far ahead should you be able to see your stopping distance in fog before deciding to drive?
- At least as far as your full stopping distance at the speed you plan to drive (Correct answer)
- At least 50 metres regardless of speed
- Fog lights give adequate stopping distance up to 80 km/h
- Visibility only matters on motorways — drive slowly on all other roads
Correct answer: At least as far as your full stopping distance at the speed you plan to drive
You should never drive faster than a speed that allows you to stop within the visible distance ahead. In fog, if you can see only 40 metres, you must be able to stop in 40 metres.
Question 5: What additional checks should you carry out before a long winter journey?
- Antifreeze level, tyre pressure (cold), lights, wipers, fuel level, and emergency kit (Correct answer)
- Only check tyre pressure — winter tyres handle other conditions
- Standard summer checks apply year-round
- Antifreeze is only needed in January and February in Ireland
Correct answer: Antifreeze level, tyre pressure (cold), lights, wipers, fuel level, and emergency kit
Before a winter journey, check antifreeze concentration (should protect to at least -15°C), tyre pressure (pressures drop in cold), all lights, wipers, fuel (carry more in case of delays), and an emergency kit.
Question 6: What should you do if you become stranded in your vehicle in a blizzard?
- Stay in the vehicle, keep warm, run the engine briefly for heat while ensuring the exhaust is clear, and call for help (Correct answer)
- Leave the vehicle and walk to the nearest building
- Keep the engine running continuously for full heating
- Use hazard lights constantly to drain the battery for help
Correct answer: Stay in the vehicle, keep warm, run the engine briefly for heat while ensuring the exhaust is clear, and call for help
Stay in the vehicle — it provides shelter and is easier for rescuers to find. Run the engine in short intervals for warmth, but ensure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
DTT Driving in Adverse Conditions 3
How should you drive through a ford (water crossing on a road)?