Video lessons · Unit 8: Speed and weather

Driving in the Rain

Driving the limit in the rain? Grandpa explains it in one minute.

What you'll learn

• The limit is the MAXIMUM, not the goal. Rain means slower, even if the sign says 65.
• The first minutes of rain are the slickest: oil on the road floats up.
• If you hydroplane: ease off the gas and don't slam the brakes.
• Fog: low beams. High beams bounce back and blind you.

Test yourself: 5 exam-style questions

1. 1. The limit is 65 mph but there's thick fog. How fast do you go?

   1. 70, to get out of the fog area as fast as possible
   2. A safe speed for conditions, even if far below 65
   3. 65, it's legal
   4. Exactly 55
   Show answer

   Answer: A safe speed for conditions, even if far below 65

   The limit is for perfect conditions. If they aren't, slow down.

2. 2. Your car starts hydroplaning. What do you do?

   1. Accelerate
   2. Slam the brakes
   3. Turn the wheel sharply to regain control
   4. Ease off the gas and avoid hard braking
   Show answer

   Answer: Ease off the gas and avoid hard braking

   Gentle: lift your foot, keep the wheel straight until the tires grip.

3. 3. In fog, which headlights do you use?

   1. None
   2. Hazards only
   3. Low beams
   4. High beams
   Show answer

   Answer: Low beams

   High beams bounce off fog and blind you.

4. 4. You have your high beams on and a car is coming toward you. When do you dim them?

   1. Within about 500 feet of the oncoming car
   2. After it passes
   3. Only if the other driver flashes their lights at you
   4. Never
   Show answer

   Answer: Within about 500 feet of the oncoming car

   Don't blind them. Most states say 500 feet.

5. 5. When is the road slickest in rain?

   1. After two hours of rain
   2. After it stops
   3. In the first minutes of rain
   4. It never changes
   Show answer

   Answer: In the first minutes of rain

   Built-up oil floats up with the first drops.