Is it okay to practice driving in the rain?
4 Answers
Driving schools do allow practice sessions in the rain, as there's a possibility of rain during the actual test. Prepare tissues or a handkerchief to wipe the rearview mirrors before getting in the car. If using tissues, remember not to litter—keep them in your pocket until you find a trash bin. When practicing driving in the rain, wear shoes with textured soles. Shake off any water from your shoes before entering the car, and rub them against the floorboard a few times before placing them on the clutch or brake to prevent slipping. Also, dry your hands before gripping the steering wheel to avoid slipping. Located to the lower right of the steering wheel, opposite the turn signal button, is the windshield wiper button. It's essential to learn how to use the wipers when driving in the rain. During a rainy test, try not to close the windows—poor visibility is already an issue, and keeping the windows open helps with viewing the rearview mirrors and reference points.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have trained many students. Practicing driving in the rain is actually quite normal, but safety details must be prioritized. Wet roads and poor visibility are common during rainy days, so always check if the windshield wipers are functioning properly first—otherwise, obscured vision can be dangerous. Speed must be kept very low, such as under 30 km/h, because braking distances increase significantly, requiring extra reaction time. If the tires are worn, reduced grip can lead to skidding during turns—I've seen beginners lose control when making sharp turns. Additionally, fogged-up windows are a common issue, which can be resolved by using the air conditioning's defogging function. The benefit of practicing in the rain is that it helps you adapt to harsh weather conditions early and builds emergency response skills. I recommend practicing in open parking lots or driving school areas. If heavy rain or strong winds occur, it's best to wait until the weather improves before resuming practice. Beginners should always have an instructor present—never take unnecessary risks. Safety always comes first. In the long run, this kind of practice is worthwhile.
When I first started learning to drive, my instructor had me practice on a drizzly day, and I felt my heart pounding in my throat. The raindrops hitting the windshield blurred my vision, and I was so nervous that my hands and feet went numb. The instructor reassured me to take it slow and everything would be fine. I kept the speed around 20 km/h, turning the steering wheel smoothly and gently to avoid sudden skids. The wipers were adjusted to the right speed, and the lights were on to improve visibility. That practice session taught me to brake lightly to prevent tire lock-up and to leave enough braking distance. Though I was on edge the whole time, the experience helped me overcome my fear of driving in the rain. Looking back, such practice sessions helped me adapt to different weather conditions and build confidence. However, as a beginner, I recommend starting with light rain and only attempting it under professional guidance. Driving recklessly on your own is risky. Practicing in the rain is feasible, but it should be done step by step.
Practicing driving in the rain is perfectly fine, but remember some key points. Keep your speed as low as possible, and be prepared for longer braking distances on slippery roads. Ensure your wipers effectively clear the windshield for good visibility. Use your lights to improve visibility, and when tire traction is weak, turn smoothly to avoid sudden maneuvers. Choose quiet roads or open areas for practice to minimize the risk of accidents. Stay calm and operate vehicle functions like the defroster normally. Practicing in the rain can help you drive more steadily in bad weather, but know your limits. It's best for new drivers to try this with an instructor present to ensure safety.
