Winter probably has the most adverse conditions to learn to drive in, there are storms, thick fogs, frosty roads and sunlight becomes more and more of a commodity. All of which combines to make Winter an excellent time for Learner Driver Insurance!

Using Learner Driver Insurance during winter

Using Learner Driver Insurance you can be sure to experience all the possible conditions (snow, wind, rain, driving at night, etc) while under supervision, meaning you have someone to rely on when you encounter something new. Here are just a few of the things you could learn this Winter:

Skid prevention

On the dry, hot roads during the summer you're unlikely to face conditions that could cause skidding. As a result you may 'learn' how to drive appropriately, to prevent skidding, but you're unlikely to put it into practice. Driving in the early morning, after a particularly chilly night, usually means the winter roads are covered in frost or water. When you get your full licence these may be conditions you have to face regularly, so it’s worth getting practice on them whilst supervised.

De-icing & de-misting the car

Part of the Show me, Tell me test requires you to know how to properly clear your windscreen and windows to prepare it for driving. The question on the Show me, Tell me test is “Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows and windscreens”. You can demonstrate how to de-ice and de-mist a car in the summer but you can’t appreciate just how long it takes until the winter. Additionally, knowing the Show me, Tell me answer is good, but that answer doesn’t mention tips on how to improve the process e.g. getting in the car a few minutes early to de-ice it, so you don't run late; using a scraper to remove larger chunks of frost; opening the windows if they are still misted over.

Driving in various lighting

Unless your instructor does night time lessons, getting a driving lesson in the dark isn’t easy during the summer. In the winter things start to get dark around 3-4 o’clock. This gives you ample opportunity to practice your driving in the dark. This adds an even bigger challenge to manoeuvre practice, as you’ll have to really focus and look out for obstructions.    

Car servicing

A car really benefits from an owner who is well aware of how to properly prep the car for the winter. For example, a car can benefit from someone putting a de-icing solution through it, to keep the components from freezing over. There’s no reason to have to this in the summer but in the winter this can really help protect the car and improve the vehicle’s overall lifespan.

Christmas Traffic

One thing that always detracts from the joy and buzz of Christmas is the Christmas holiday traffic. Relatives and family driving in from all parts of the country leads to some very packed roads. You'll definitely get to grips with your clutch control and ability to react to diversions if you're caught in a Christmas traffic jam According to a UK report, the months with the highest number of driver related deaths/injuries and pedestrian deaths/injuries are between the months of November & January. Having Learner Driver Insurance during these months can allow you to learn the test requirements for driving and appreciate what sort of improved driving safety is needed for winter.

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The winter is full of valuable learning curves that someone who has only driven in perfect conditions may not understand. It is always better to experience new situations while supervised, and winter practice gives you that opportunity.