DRIVING IN THE RAIN

Stay safe on wet roads in any weather.

Rain is the most common adverse driving condition in the UK. Our guide covers everything you need to know — from increased stopping distances and aquaplaning to the correct use of headlights and fog lights.

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How does rain affect driving?

Rain significantly reduces visibility, makes road surfaces slippery and increases the distance needed to stop. In heavy rain, stopping distances can more than double compared to dry conditions. Aquaplaning — where the tyres lose contact with the road and ride on a film of water — can also occur at speeds above about 30 mph in standing water.

Key rules for driving in rain

Reduce your speed and increase the gap to the vehicle in front. In wet conditions, the two-second rule becomes at least a four-second gap. Use dipped headlights if visibility is seriously reduced. If you are using fog lights, remember to switch them off when visibility improves. Avoid sudden steering inputs or heavy braking — these can cause the car to skid on a wet road.

Reduce Speed

Slow down in rain. There is no specific legal requirement, but driving too fast for the conditions is careless driving.

Increase Following Distance

Double your gap in rain. At 70 mph on a wet motorway, allow at least a four-second gap to the vehicle ahead.

Use Dipped Headlights

Switch on dipped headlights when visibility is poor. You must use them when you cannot see for more than 100 metres.

Avoid Aquaplaning

Reduce speed in standing water. If you feel the steering go light, ease off the accelerator gently and hold a straight course.

Check Your Tyres

Worn tyres dramatically increase stopping distances in wet conditions. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm — replace tyres before they reach this.

Braking on Wet Roads

Brake gently and progressively on wet roads. Harsh, sudden braking can cause skidding. Start braking earlier than you would in dry conditions.

What to do if you aquaplane

If your car aquaplanes, do not brake sharply or turn the steering wheel suddenly. Ease off the accelerator gently, hold the steering wheel straight and wait for the tyres to regain grip with the road. Once grip is restored, brake smoothly if needed. Aquaplaning is most likely at higher speeds in significant standing water.

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Our instructors teach you to drive safely in all conditions — including rain, fog and darkness.

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Driving in the Rain FAQs

How much longer does it take to stop in the rain?

In wet conditions, stopping distances can more than double compared to dry roads. At 70 mph, the overall stopping distance in wet conditions can exceed 90 metres — so allow a much larger gap to the vehicle in front.

Should I use fog lights in heavy rain?

You can use rear fog lights if visibility is seriously reduced to less than 100 metres. However, you must switch them off when visibility improves — leaving them on can dazzle following drivers.

What causes aquaplaning?

Aquaplaning occurs when water builds up in front of the tyres faster than it can be displaced. The tyres then ride on a film of water and lose contact with the road. It is most common at higher speeds in standing water with worn tyres.

Is it safe to use cruise control in rain?

It is not recommended to use cruise control in heavy rain or on wet roads, as sudden loss of traction could cause the car to accelerate before you have time to react. Switch it off in adverse conditions.

DRIVING IN THE RAIN

How does rain affect driving?

Key rules for driving in rain

What to do if you aquaplane

Build all-weather confidence with RED

Driving in the Rain FAQs

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