Why Do You Get Tanned When Practicing Driving?
3 Answers
Because generally speaking, training grounds are very open and have no shelters, so you are relatively more exposed to the sun. In addition, summer vacation coincides with the time of the year when ultraviolet rays are the strongest, and the scorching heat is unbearable, so getting tanned is a very natural thing. Moreover, if sun protection is not done properly, not only will you get tanned, but you may also experience sunburn. Methods to avoid getting tanned: 1. Avoid the time period with strong ultraviolet rays: An effective way to prevent getting tanned while learning to drive is to avoid practicing during the time when ultraviolet rays are the strongest, such as not going to learn in the morning and at noon. It is recommended to go to learn driving in the evening or at night, after all, many driving schools now have night practice sessions. For those who are afraid of getting tanned, they can avoid the time when ultraviolet rays are strong, so they don’t have to worry about getting tanned. 2. Choose a training car with a sunshade and try to stay in the car: When learning to drive, you can choose a training car with a sunshade, which can effectively block most of the sunlight. Secondly, try to stay in the car to reduce exposure to sunlight. When it is not your turn to drive, you can sit in the back row of the training car, which can reduce sun exposure while also learning the driving methods of other students.
Last time I practiced driving, I also got tanned, mainly because of prolonged exposure to the sun. Driving practice usually requires staying at outdoor training grounds or by the roadside for several hours. Although the windows block some sunlight, a significant amount of UV rays can still penetrate, especially since the windshield doesn’t filter out all radiation. When the sun shines directly, the skin gets exposed inside the car, unconsciously absorbing UVA and UVB, which increases melanin production and darkens the skin tone. Additionally, during driving practice, I was too focused on maneuvers like turning and parking to remember applying sunscreen or wearing long sleeves. I remember that time—three consecutive weeks, two hours every afternoon—my neck turned completely red and stayed dark for months afterward. I highly recommend applying SPF50+ sunscreen in advance, wearing a hat, and choosing cloudy days for practice if possible. Don’t be as careless as I was.
Getting tanned while practicing driving is quite common. I suffered from it when I was younger too. The reason is simple: the driver's seat often faces the sun, and the afternoon sun in summer is particularly harsh. Driving instructors don’t allow us to use overly dark window tints, fearing it might obstruct visibility, so sunlight directly enters the car. UV rays stimulate skin cells, causing them to produce more pigment for protection, leading to noticeable darkening over time. Back then, I was so focused on getting my driver’s license that I didn’t pay attention to protection, resulting in sunburn and peeling on my arms and legs. Additionally, during parking practice, we often had to step out to adjust the tires or position, exposing ourselves to even more intense sunlight. Later, I learned my lesson—applying a thick layer of sunscreen before each practice session and wearing light-colored clothes to reflect some sunlight. Remember, don’t wait until you get sunburned to regret not protecting your skin.
