Why Failing to Practice Driving at Night Can Put You at Risk

Driving during the day and navigating the roads in complete darkness is impossible day and night (no pun intended) but when it comes to getting behind the wheel during driving lessons in the afternoon or evening, it seems that students are not so willing to drive in the dark.

According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) up to 100,000 driving test candidates may take their driving test each year without practicing in the dark. Although not mandatory, it is important for those learning to drive to practice driving and experience driving a vehicle at night.

Factors such as lack of visibility, weather conditions and impaired night vision are just some of the risks drivers face when driving after the sun has set, with 35 percent of all traffic accidents involving new drivers occurring at night.

Is it difficult to drive at night?

Even though modern cars are equipped with the latest headlights, this still doesn’t make things any easier when the road ahead of you is more difficult to see and navigate. While dimming the dashboard and reducing speed at night can help when driving in the dark, practicing before you become a licensed driver will certainly give you more experience when you finally hit the road.

Benefits of driving lessons at night

The DVSA encourages all learner drivers to practice driving after dark (between midnight and five in the morning) in preparation for passing their Driving Test but also to gain experience of driving at night. Driving at night during lessons will not only increase your awareness of the road, but will also help drivers recognize potential hazards that may be dangerous when driving at night alone.

What Does Get a License Say

It is very important for all novice drivers to gain experience driving in the dark before they drive alone. If these figures released by the DVSA are correct, then it seems that drivers learning to drive for the first time need to practice driving in the dark more than ever.