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Questions / Weather and visibility

Answer first · reviewed August 2026

How should a new driver handle heavy rain?

Short answer

Slow smoothly, increase following distance, use lights and wipers, avoid cruise control and leave more time for braking. If visibility becomes unsafe, leave the roadway at a safe place.

Make it practical

What to do

Practise in light rain with a qualified supervisor before your first downpour surprise.

Easy to miss

The common trap

Driving at the posted maximum simply because it is still posted.

Turn knowledge into a habit

How to practise it

Begin in mild versions of the condition with a qualified supervisor and a suitable vehicle. Increase difficulty only while you can still see, think and stop safely.

When a rule, road sign or examiner instruction conflicts with an internet tip, use the official rule and the safe decision. The internet has many talents; wearing a reflective examiner vest is not one of them.

Check the answer

Sources and context

OfficialOfficial MTO Driver’s Handbook ↗OfficialDriveTest road-test vehicle requirements ↗
Use the current official rule for the final word.

DriverReady explains public information in plain language. Requirements, test formats and procedures can change.

Useful next steps

Put this answer to work

Winter and rain guideAdapt speed, space and visibility.Vehicle checklistCheck lights, tires, wipers and glass.DriveTest centresVerify current centre information.

Keep going

Related weather and visibility questions

How do I prepare for a road test in snow?Clear the entire vehicle, use suitable tires, maintain visibility and drive for conditions. The test may proceed unless DriveTest cancels it.What should I do if I encounter black ice?Reduce speed before likely icy areas, keep inputs gentle and avoid sudden braking or steering. If grip is lost, look where you need to go and make smooth corrections.How should I drive in fog?Use low-beam headlights, slow down, increase space and use road-edge guidance without fixating on it. High beams reflect from fog and can make vision worse.How can a learner manage glare at night?Keep glass clean, dim the dashboard, look toward the right edge rather than directly at oncoming headlights and reduce speed to the distance you can see.