Should You Practice Driving in the Rain?

[DeJosie]

If the rain is not too heavy, you can practice driving. Practicing in the rain can help improve your ability to drive on slippery surfaces, but safety should always be a priority. Wheels are prone to skidding on rainy days, so avoid driving too fast. When braking, first use light and intermittent braking to reduce speed before applying full brakes, and avoid slamming on the brakes. Precautions for practicing driving in the rain: When practicing driving in the rain, choose shoes with textured soles. Shake off any water on your shoes before getting into the car, and rub your shoes against the floorboard a few times before placing them on the clutch or brake pedals to prevent slipping. Dry your hands before placing them on the steering wheel to avoid slipping. On the lower right side of the steering wheel, opposite the turn signal button, is the windshield wiper button. Learn to use the windshield wipers when driving in the rain. During a driving test in the rain, try not to close the windows. Visibility is already poor in the rain, and keeping the windows open allows for better viewing of the rearview mirrors and reference points.

[DiLilliana]

Practicing driving in the rain is actually quite necessary. After all, you can't always choose to drive only on sunny days once you're on the road. Coaches usually focus on teaching a few key points: how to use the windshield wipers most effectively, where the rearview mirror defogger button is, and when to use the fog lights. The road tends to be slippery when wet, so you need to brake earlier and maintain an extra car length's distance from the vehicle in front. Before my driving test (Subject 3), I specifically chose to practice on a rainy day. Even during a heavy rainstorm on the test day, I didn't panic—such practical experience is incredibly useful. Of course, if it's a thunderstorm or typhoon, safety should come first, and it's better to postpone driving.

[JordanRose]

As a driving instructor with eight years of experience, I advise beginners to practice driving in the rain when needed. However, safety measures must be taken: avoid taking risks if your tire tread depth is below 3mm, and wearing anti-fog glasses with the window slightly open can improve visibility. Focus on practicing gentle throttle control and light steering to get a feel for the car. Never rush through waterlogged areas. Last time, during a heavy rain practice session, I taught a student to use the reflective water lines along the curb for parallel parking—more practical than relying on clear-weather landmarks. After practice, always check the brake discs for proper water drainage, details often overlooked in driving schools.

[VonMila]

Don't listen to those who say it's dangerous to practice in the rain—that's exactly where new drivers who get their license during the rainy season fall short. When I first encountered rain after getting my license, I almost swerved all over the highway. The core principle for driving in the rain is the 'three slows': slow down your gaze and look further ahead, ease off the accelerator slightly, and turn the steering wheel gently. When your rearview mirror is covered in water droplets, always turn your head to check blind spots before changing lanes. Here's a pro tip: if your windshield fogs up, don't just blast the AC—set the temperature dial halfway between red and blue for the fastest defogging.

[LilaLynn]

Last week, while accompanying my wife for driving practice in heavy rain, she was so nervous her hands were shaking. I told her this was the perfect time to learn real skills—observing road markings between windshield wiper sweeps, noticing the reflections of rear car lights in puddles—sensory training you can't get on sunny days. The slight vibration when rear wheels pass over manhole covers lets you feel traction changes through the steering wheel. However, beginners shouldn't practice alone; always have an instructor guide you through special road sections. Remember to wash the car after rainy days as mud can corrode the paint.

[OEmilio]

My driving instructor shared a cool fact with me: driving test scoring is about 10% more lenient in rainy conditions. But that's not the main point—the key is mastering unique techniques. Using low beams combined with front and rear fog lights in rainy or foggy weather is safer than using hazard lights. When the road is slippery, wait for the RPM to drop below 2,000 before shifting gears. I specifically tested braking distances at different speeds: on dry roads, stopping from 40 km/h took 8 meters, while in the rain it took 11 meters with some skidding. Now, when I encounter heavy rain while driving, I instinctively switch to the defensive driving mode I practiced during training.