Winter driving in Australia—especially when heading to alpine areas or dealing with heavy rain and icy mornings—requires extra preparation and caution. At Lessons2Drive Driving School, we teach you how to handle all conditions. Use these tips to stay safe and in control this winter.

General Wet Weather & Cold Road Safety

The core of safe winter driving is reducing speed, increasing distance, and driving smoothly.

Check the Weather First

Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, hail, or sleet. If you must drive, allow extra time for your journey, check road reports (like VicTraffic), and plan ahead.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Before hitting the road, make sure your vehicle is ready for the cold and wet:

• Tyres: Check tread depth and inflation levels.
• Wipers: Ensure windscreen wipers and demisters are working effectively.
• Battery: Cold weather dramatically reduces battery performance. Make sure it’s in good condition.
• Lights & Brakes: Confirm all lights (headlights, brake lights) and your brakes are fully operational.

Drive Smoothly

Wet and greasy roads severely reduce traction. Accelerate gently and brake gradually. Avoid sudden movements or sharp steering to prevent sliding, especially when entering curves or turning.

Keep a Safe Distance

When roads are wet or icy, your stopping distance can be significantly longer. Double the normal following distance (the minimum 2-second rule should become 4 seconds or more) to give yourself enough time and space to react.

Be Visible

Always turn on your low beam headlights—even during the day. In heavy fog or snow, use your front and rear fog lights (if fitted). Never use high beams in fog or snow, as the light reflects back and reduces visibility further.

Avoid Water Hazards

Never drive through floodwaters. It takes less water than you think to lose control or stall your engine. Puddles may hide deep potholes or dangerous currents. If you can’t see the road surface, don’t drive through it.

Take Breaks

Driving in poor conditions, especially low visibility, is extremely tiring. Stop regularly, stretch, and stay alert.

Icy Roads & Black Ice Awareness

Black ice is invisible and extremely dangerous. It is a thin, clear layer of ice that often forms early in the morning, late at night, or in shaded areas (like under bridges or near tree lines).

If you encounter black ice:

1. Remain Calm: The most important thing is to avoid panic.
2. No Sudden Movements: Avoid sharp steering, acceleration, or braking.
3. Coast: Allow the car to coast. Do not press the brakes or accelerator; let the car slow down naturally until you regain control.
4. Steer Gently: If you must steer, make extremely gentle corrections in the direction of the skid.

If possible, ensure your car is equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and always check for black ice warnings on local traffic alert sites like VicTraffic before you leave.

Special Rules for Driving in Snow

Heading to the mountains? You must be extra prepared, as conditions can change rapidly.

Before You Go:

• Road Conditions: Check the specific resort or mountain road conditions and rules.
• Car Fluids: Use appropriate coolant (antifreeze). For diesel cars, ensure you have alpine diesel mix to prevent the fuel from gelling in extreme cold.
• Essentials: Pack sunglasses (for snow glare) and practice fitting snow chains before you need them.

While Driving:

• Steering: Drive with both hands on the wheel and use smooth, deliberate movements.
• Braking & Acceleration: Brake gently and avoid braking while in a corner.
• Gears: Engage a low gear when descending mountains to control speed without relying solely on your brakes.
• Chains: Fit snow chains to drive tyres when directed by signs or resort staff. It is a legal requirement in designated Alpine resort areas.

When Parking in the Snow:

• Exit Strategy: Reverse into spots or ensure you have an easy forward exit.
• Wheels: Turn your wheels away from slopes (curb-side wheels towards the curb, if possible) to prevent rolling.
• Manual Cars: Leave manual transmission cars in 1st gear.
• Wipers: Lift your wiper blades off the screen to prevent them from freezing to the glass.

Remember: Fitting snow chains is legally required in Alpine resorts. Follow all signs and resort staff directions precisely.

Drive with Confidence – Learn with Lessons2Drive!

At Lessons2Drive Driving School, we teach students how to navigate all real-life scenarios—including extreme weather and challenging road conditions.

Whether you’re a learner preparing for your first winter or a licensed driver who wants to brush up on their specific winter driving skills, our experienced instructors will guide you every step of the way. We focus on building the skill and confidence needed to keep you safe when conditions are less than ideal.

Our goal is to prepare you to be a safe and legal driver in the shortest time possible.

Stay safe and legal on the road! Learn more with Lessons2Drive—book your lesson today!