DTT Driving in Adverse Conditions 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended following distance on a motorway in normal conditions?
- At least 2 seconds — more in wet, icy, or foggy conditions (Correct answer)
- At least 20 metres regardless of speed
- One car length per 10 km/h of speed
- Follow closely in convoy to improve fuel economy
Correct answer: At least 2 seconds — more in wet, icy, or foggy conditions
A minimum 2-second gap is recommended at motorway speeds in normal conditions. This should be extended to 4 seconds in wet conditions and much more in snow or fog.
Question 2: What effect does driving through deep puddles at speed have on other road users?
- It sprays water onto pedestrians and cyclists — an offence under careless driving laws (Correct answer)
- It is acceptable as long as you don't splash other vehicles
- Only affects pedestrians — cyclists maintain balance unaffected
- Deep puddles are a road authority problem, not a driver responsibility
Correct answer: It sprays water onto pedestrians and cyclists — an offence under careless driving laws
Driving through puddles and splashing pedestrians or cyclists is careless driving. It can also soak pedestrians, compromise a cyclist's control, and startle vulnerable road users.
Question 3: How does wind affect a vehicle being overtaken by a large lorry on a motorway?
- Creates a pressure change — the car is first pushed, then sucked towards the lorry — grip the wheel firmly (Correct answer)
- No effect — large lorries create a wind shadow that protects small cars
- The suction only affects motorcycles and bicycles
- Wind effect from lorries only occurs when the lorry is travelling faster than 90 km/h
Correct answer: Creates a pressure change — the car is first pushed, then sucked towards the lorry — grip the wheel firmly
When a large lorry passes, the bow wave pushes the car sideways, followed by a suction that pulls it back. Grip the steering wheel firmly and maintain your course — do not over-correct.
Question 4: What is the correct response if your vehicle loses traction on a snowy uphill slope?
- Reverse back down carefully and take another run, or wait for conditions to improve (Correct answer)
- Accelerate harder to force the tyres to grip
- Apply the handbrake to regain traction
- Apply maximum steering lock to create tyre friction
Correct answer: Reverse back down carefully and take another run, or wait for conditions to improve
Spinning wheels on a snowy slope dig in and lose further traction. Reverse back down gently, then attempt the hill with more momentum or wait for conditions to improve or roads to be treated.
Question 5: What is the danger of driving through autumn leaves on the road?
- Wet leaves are as slippery as ice — reduce speed and brake gently (Correct answer)
- Leaves pose no traction risk to modern tyres
- Leaves are only a risk for cyclists and motorcyclists
- Dry leaves are slippery but wet leaves drain away quickly
Correct answer: Wet leaves are as slippery as ice — reduce speed and brake gently
Wet leaves on the road create extremely low friction — comparable to ice. They are particularly dangerous on bends, approaching junctions, and when braking. Adjust your speed accordingly.
Question 6: At night, what is the rule about using full beam headlights when following another vehicle?
- Switch to dipped headlights — full beam dazzles the driver ahead via their rear-view mirror (Correct answer)
- Full beam is always preferred for maximum visibility
- Only use full beam on unlit motorways when following at a distance
- Dip your lights only when within 10 metres of the vehicle ahead
Correct answer: Switch to dipped headlights — full beam dazzles the driver ahead via their rear-view mirror
When following another vehicle at night, always use dipped headlights. Full beam shines into the mirror of the vehicle ahead, dazzling the driver and potentially causing a serious accident.
DTT Driving in Adverse Conditions 4
What is the recommended following distance on a motorway in normal conditions?