When should you use fog lights?

You should only use fog lights when visibility drops below 100 metres (about the length of a football pitch). This usually happens in thick fog, heavy snow, or very heavy spray.

Is it illegal to use fog lights when it’s not foggy?

Yes. Using fog lights when visibility is good can dazzle other drivers and is against the Highway Code. You could be fined for improper use.

What’s the difference between front and rear fog lights?

Front fog lights help you see the road edges in poor visibility. Rear fog lights are much brighter and help drivers behind you see your vehicle from a distance.

Do all cars have front fog lights?

No. Many cars only have rear fog lights as standard. Front fog lights are optional on some models.

When should you turn fog lights off?

As soon as visibility improves above 100 metres. Leaving them on in clear conditions can blind or irritate other road users.

Can fog lights replace headlights at night?

No. Fog lights are not designed to illuminate the road ahead like headlights. They should only be used alongside normal lights when conditions require them.

How do you know if your fog lights are on?

Your dashboard will show a warning symbol. Rear fog light symbols are usually amber, while front fog light symbols are green.

Do fog lights help in heavy rain?

Only in extremely heavy rain where visibility is severely reduced. In normal rain, dipped headlights are sufficient.

Are fog lights needed for the driving test?

You won’t usually be asked to use them, but you should know what they do and when to use them correctly as part of safe driving knowledge.

Why are rear fog lights so bright?

They are designed to cut through dense fog so drivers behind can see you earlier, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.

Driving Advice

Driving Practice with Parents

A guide to help teach your kids to drive

🕒 Updated: Jan 2024 📖 2 Min Read

Driving Lessons with parents

When you are learning to drive it is a good idea to take as much private practice as possible, driving with your parents is one of the best ways to do this.

There are a few guidelines that you will need to follow.

Private driving practice legal requirements

You must be at least 17 years of age and hold a valid provisional license.
The car which you are driving must be road legal, taxed and have a valid MOT if it is more than 3 years old.
You must display L Plates prominently both to the front and rear of the vehicle. If you use the L Plates which attach to the windows, then make certain that neither the driver and passengers view is not obscured in any way.
Your parent or accompanying driver must hold a valid license and must have done so for a minimum of 3 years, they also must be aged over 21.
You must have valid insurance in place on the vehicle either as a named driver, or you could use one of the learner driver insurance schemes.
Learner Driver Insurance.

Do i need a qualified instructor

It would be advisable to combine your private driving practice with regular lessons from a qualified driving instructor, that way you are certain that you are doing things correctly.

On average, it takes 44 hours of lessons with an instructor to pass the driving test, however, with private driving practice, this is often reduced dramatically.

There are other advantages of practicing in your own car, the main one being that you should become a more confident driver, mainly due to the extra hours behind the wheel and dealing with the everyday real-life driving situations.

As an instructor who has taught two of my own children to drive, I know how difficult it can be to teach your own kids to drive. I am pleased to say that they both passed the first time and my son is now also an approved driving instructor.

For any help or advice on how to go about practicing contact us and we will be happy to advise.

How many driving lessons will you need?

A55 restrictions for learner drivers

It should also be noted that in the Conwy area there are restrictions on parts of the A55 from Llandulas (Junction 23) through to Conwy (Junction 17) there is a restriction that prohibits learner drivers.

🎓 Driving Skills Recaps

Professional guides to help you master your practical driving skills.

📚 Explore the Full Learner Hub

Discover more learner driver guides, driving test tips, manoeuvres, and lesson recaps to help you build confidence and pass your test. Visit the Learner Hub

Driving Instructor FAQs

Check that they display a DVSA badge in the windscreen. A green badge means they are fully qualified, while a pink badge means they are a licensed trainee instructor.

Yes. Pink badge instructors are licensed by the DVSA to teach learners. Many are simply waiting for their final Part 3 test date due to DVSA delays.

Most learners need around 40 to 45 hours of professional lessons, although this can vary depending on confidence and previous experience.

Not always. A slightly higher hourly rate can work out cheaper overall if you learn faster and need fewer lessons.

Piggybacking is when an instructor collects or drops off another pupil during your lesson. Always ask whether lessons are fully one-to-one.

Yes. If you do not feel comfortable or feel your progress has stalled, it is perfectly fine to switch instructors.

This depends on your goals and confidence. Our guide on whether you should learn automatic or manual explains the differences in more detail.