Nervous about driving in the dark? Here are 10 tips to help

Driving in the dark can be daunting. Consumer writer Siobhan Doyle shares 10 tips to help you stay safe and confident behind the wheel.

With darker evenings already here and the clocks going back an hour at 2am on Sunday 25 October, many of us will be spending more time driving in the dark. Glare from headlights, shadowy country lanes and wet roads can all make night-time journeys more challenging.

Here are 10 tips and tricks to help you stay safe and confident behind the wheel, from improving visibility to adapting to changing road conditions.

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1. Inspect your lights before every journey

Check that your headlights, brake lights, rear lights and indicators are all working before setting off. Keep them clean so other drivers can see you clearly, and make sure your headlights are pointing in the right direction. Switch on your dipped headlights as it gets dark, rather than relying on daytime running lights, which may not illuminate your rear lights.

2. Clean your windows and mirrors

Wipe down your windows and mirrors before setting off to remove dirt, grease and smears that can worsen glare from oncoming headlights. Demist your windscreen fully before driving, and check your wipers are in good condition so you can see clearly in wet weather.

3. Slow down and leave more space

Reduce your speed when visibility is poor and leave plenty of space between your car and the vehicle ahead. Make sure you can stop within half the distance you can see to be clear, and take extra care on unlit roads, around bends and in bad weather.

4. Dip your headlights for other drivers

Use full beam on dark, unlit roads when it’s safe to do so, but switch to dipped headlights as soon as you see an oncoming vehicle or when following another car. This helps prevent you from dazzling other drivers. Stick to dipped headlights on well-lit roads.

5. Look away from bright headlights

Avoid staring directly at oncoming headlights, as the glare can temporarily affect your vision. Instead, focus on the left-hand edge of the road to help you maintain your position. If you struggle to see, ease off the accelerator and slow down safely until your vision improves.

6. Watch out for pedestrians, cyclists and animals

Look carefully for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly near crossings, junctions and residential streets. Remember that people wearing dark clothing can be difficult to spot at night. On country roads, watch for animals near the roadside and be ready to slow down if one appears in your path.

7. Take breaks and don’t drive tired

Get enough rest before setting off, especially if you’re planning a long journey. Schedule regular breaks and stop somewhere safe if you start feeling sleepy. Don’t rely on opening a window or turning up the radio to stay awake, as neither is a substitute for proper rest.

8. Get your eyes checked regularly

Arrange regular eye tests to make sure your vision is suitable for driving, and speak to an optician if you struggle to see clearly at night or find headlight glare particularly uncomfortable. If you need glasses or contact lenses to drive, wear them whenever you’re behind the wheel.

9. Set up your car before you drive

Enter your destination into your sat-nav, choose your music and adjust your heating before setting off. Put your phone away and avoid fiddling with dashboard controls while moving. Keeping distractions to a minimum helps you concentrate on the road and spot hazards in the dark sooner.

10. Practice night driving on familiar roads

Build your confidence by starting with short journeys on familiar, well-lit roads. Plan your route, allow extra time and avoid rushing. As you become more comfortable, gradually try longer journeys and less familiar routes, choosing conditions that feel manageable.

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