Learning to drive is an important chapter in a lot of people’s lives and for many learner drivers in the UK, spring presents a perfect opportunity to begin or carry out the majority of their lessons. The season brings longer daylight hours, milder temperatures, and often clearer roads following the winter months. Despite this, as any British resident knows, spring weather can be unpredictable. While one day might offer perfect driving conditions, the next might come with rain, fog, or glare from low sun. In this blog, we’ll share our spring driving tips and explore how spring weather affects learner drivers, offering practical advice for navigating learning to drive in spring, whether you’re enjoying a sunny afternoon or navigating April showers. By understanding the challenges and advantages of this mixed-weather season, learner drivers can build confidence and potentially improve their driving skills in a variety of weather conditions.
In short, yes, spring is generally a great time to start your driving journey. The roads are no longer icy, and you’re less likely to be dealing with the reduced visibility and hazardous conditions of winter. But spring driving isn’t without its’ challenges. Sudden showers, wet road surfaces, and glare from a lower sun can create additional problems for new and inexperienced drivers.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of learning to drive in spring:
| Pros | Cons |
| Longer daylight hours for lessons after school/work | Sudden rain showers and wet roads |
| Milder temperatures make for a more comfortable experience | Glare from low sun can reduce visibility |
| Significantly less risk of icy roads or snow compared to winter | Pollen and spring allergies may cause irritation or distraction |
| Opportunities to learn in mixed weather, building all-round skills | May still encounter foggy mornings or overcast conditions with visibility affected |
As spring rolls in, sunnier days can become more frequent, especially from late March through to May. Learning to drive in the sun can be uplifting, but there are quite specific challenges to keep in mind.
Tip: Always keep your windscreen clean, inside and out. A dirty screen can potentially worsen glare and reduce visibility in direct sunlight.
While the UK might enjoy a few dry weeks in spring, it’s no surprise that learning to drive in the rain is an inevitable part of this time of the year. Rain presents its own challenges but learning to manage these issues early on can help establish essential skills.
Tip: Always reduce your speed in wet weather and avoid driving through large puddles or standing water where possible.
Spring is one of the most rewarding times of year to begin your driving journey. With longer, brighter days and improved conditions compared to winter, learning to drive in spring allows learners to gain valuable skills and build their confidence. However, it’s important to be prepared for both sunny and rainy days, as British spring weather often brings a bit of both.
Whether you’re navigating sun glare or slippery roads, take on board our spring driving tips and ensure that you are practising in a variety of springtime conditions which can help make you a better, safer driver in the long run.
Spring offers more flexible lesson times due to longer days, but summer provides even more stable weather. Both are great, but spring can help to build mixed-condition experience.
Mid-morning to early afternoon can provide good visibility and fewer weather disruptions. Avoid early mornings if fog is forecast.
Ensure good tyre tread, keep windscreen wipers in top condition, and maintain lower speeds in wet conditions. Practise anticipating longer braking distances.
No, unless the weather is severe. Learning in light to moderate rain is valuable experience and helps build confidence in varied road conditions.
Sunglasses (for glare), a water bottle, a light jacket, and a positive mindset! Always check the weather before heading out.
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