Nova Scotia Driving Test Practice: Ace your driving test

What action should a driver take in poor weather conditions?

1. Maintain the standard speed limit

2. Increase speed to avoid delays

3. Reduce speed to match the road conditions

4. Turn off headlights

The correct answer is: Reduce speed to match the road conditions

In poor weather conditions, reducing speed to match the road conditions is crucial for safety. Adverse conditions such as rain, snow, fog, or ice can significantly impact a vehicle’s handling and stopping distance. Lowering your speed allows you more time to react to unexpected hazards, such as slick roads, decreased visibility, or obstacles that may not be easily seen. When driving too fast in these conditions, the risk of losing control of the vehicle increases. It can also lead to accidents, as higher speeds can result in longer stopping distances and reduced traction. Adopting a slower pace not only improves your control over the vehicle but also enhances your ability to make safe decisions on the road. Maintaining the standard speed limit might seem appropriate in normal circumstances, but during poor weather, the conditions dictate that you should adapt your speed for safety. Increasing speed to avoid delays is quite dangerous, as it compromises your ability to respond to varying conditions. Turning off headlights would reduce visibility, making it harder to see the road and for other drivers to see you, which could lead to collisions. Therefore, adjusting your speed in response to the conditions is essential for safe driving during poor weather.