Learning to Drive in Oxford in the Winter

If somebody stated, wintertime in Oxford is the best time to learn to drive, what would your most likely response be?  Maybe you would think it was a joke?  This would be a quite plausible reaction as many people do suffer from winter driving anxiety.

Are you one of these people currently going through your first British winter as a driver? If you are, then the information provided here will help.

What is winter driving anxiety all about then? Mainly, it revolves around the unpredictability of the British winter weather.   Dark gloomy days which bring frost, rain, and snow, can make driving days hazardous.

Visibility issues are a big concern when driving in the rain and snow. Nevertheless, black ice is the stuff of nightmares for many motorists out there.  This is because it is invisible and so when you hit it you can skid.

What to do if you start to Skid in bad weather

It is vital that if you do skid, you try to remain calm and do not immediately slam on the brakes.  Slam on the brakes and you will more than likely lose complete control of your vehicle.  Both hands need to remain on the steering wheel because you need to steer in the direction of the skid to correct it.

Aquaplaning is also more likely in the winter because of heavy downpours.  This is where the rain gets between the tyres and the road, which can then cause drivers to spin. The number 1 rule is to not apply your break should you hit standing water. Instead, lift your foot off the accelerator to slow you.

How to Deal with Hazardous Driving Conditions

The sun can even make driving tricky at times.  It is lower for longer in the winter and so can have a dazzling effect, especially after it has rained or there is ice or snow on the ground.  Sunglasses are a vital aid here in coping with this problem.

Learning to Drive in Oxford In Winter - Snow, Rain

Learning to Drive in Oxford

Each driving lesson is on a one-to-one basis and will be tailored to suit your ability, following the DVSA syllabus at your own pace, including all aspects of town driving, manoeuvres such as parking, hill starts, roundabout navigation, rural driving and more. Our instructors can be flexible around your schedule and are able to collect or drop you off at home, school, college or work.

Are you ready to pass your driving test first time? Contact Us today or call 01865 722 148.

When is the Best Time to Learn to Drive in Oxford

Despite all this, there remains a strong view that learning to drive in the winter is the best time to do it.   In essence, it involves turning all these potential barriers against winter driving on their head.  Rather than seeing the winter as negative, it is more seen as a positive thing for learner drivers.

The assertion is that learning to drive in the winter makes you a better-equipped driver because you have had to learn in such harsh weather conditions.  If you can conquer driving in the winter, then you conquer anything.

It is said that as a winter driver you develop your skills more quickly.  You learn about greater road awareness and safety.  The poor weather requires better observation and judgement skills.

Encountering hazardous driving conditions for the first time with an instructor is going to be very beneficial.  Here, you have an experienced guide by your side offering you their best advice.  This means you are better equipped to cope with such conditions when later facing them out on your own.

Preparing your Car for Winter

Winterising your vehicle is strongly recommended.  This can involve getting your car serviced before the winter and asking for the following things to be checked:

  • Windscreen wipers
  • Tyres
  • Lights
  • Brakes
  • Exhaust system
  • Heating and cooling system

Regularly checking the state of your tyres in the winter is vitally important.  This is because they give you traction out on the roads.  Although the law requires you to have your tread depth at a minimum of 1.6mm, specialist winter tyres are the better way to go if you do lots of driving.

What to do if your Car Breaks down in Winter

In the event of a car breakdown, having an emergency winter kit in your car could be a lifesaver.  Practical things to stock include:

  • Dry food such as cereal bars
  • Blankets
  • Shovel
  • De-icer and window scraper
  • A torch
  • Water
  • A small amount of extra fuel

Items in this list above will need replacing from time to time.  Having such a winter kit is there to give you peace of mind when driving.

Winter Driving Tips from Oxford Driving Instructor

The winter season requires you to alter your driving style too. Driving slower and creating more of a distance between you and the car in front are pivotal decisions.  It is all about having more reaction time as it is this that reduces accidents.

Refrain from overtaking in treacherous conditions is sound advice.  Pull away in second gear as this will give you more grip.  Smooth steering rather than doing anything sudden is what is required.

The next point involves knowing Highway Code Rule 229.  It states, “you must be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows.  You must ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible.”

It is therefore necessary to check your vehicle for a few moments before you set off.  Failure to make sure your windscreen is clear could end up with you having to pay a costly fine.  Also make sure snow is removed from the roof as this could move onto your windscreen after a sharp turn or sudden stop.

Number plates must always be visible also.  Wet and dirty roads can quickly make number plates dirty and unreadable.  Consequently, it is important for new drivers to always be aware of this and to keep them clean.

Learning to Drive in Oxford – Manual Driving Lessons, Automatic and Intensive Courses

  • Manual or automatic driving lessons
  • Great introductory driving tuition offers
  • Intensive driving crash courses – Pass your test quickly with daily 6 hour lessons
  • Competitive prices
  • Block booking discounts
  • Flexible hours, 7 days a week
  • Nervous pupils welcome
  • 1-2-1 tuition
  • Lessons last a FULL hour
  • Mock practical tests
  • FREE theory papers
  • Pass Plus, refresher and motorway lessons
  • Dual-controlled, learner-friendly, air-conditioned cars
  • DSA approved instructors

Oxford and Bicester Local Driving Lessons

Each driving lesson is on a one-to-one basis and will be tailored to suit your ability, following the DVSA syllabus at your own pace, including all aspects of town driving, manoeuvres such as parking, hill starts, roundabout navigation, rural driving and more. Our instructors can be flexible around your schedule and are able to collect or drop you off at home, school, college or work.

Are you ready to pass your driving test first time? Contact Us today or call 01865 722 148