Winter weather always brings up the same question for driving instructors: should lessons continue in snow and ice, or is it safer to cancel?
For both PDI and ADI driving instructors, the decision is not always straightforward. Snow can offer valuable learning opportunities, but it also introduces higher risks, legal responsibilities, and insurance considerations.
This guide looks at the pros and cons of teaching learner drivers in the snow. It also discusses when to consider cancelling or rescheduling lessons.
Can Driving Lessons Take Place in Snow?
There is no legal rule in the UK that automatically bans driving lessons in snow. Lessons can go ahead provided the vehicle is roadworthy and the instructor is satisfied it is safe to do so.
However, instructors have a duty of care to their pupil and other road users. If conditions are genuinely hazardous, choosing to proceed could expose the instructor to avoidable risk.
The Benefits of Teaching Learner Drivers in Snow
1. Real-World Driving Experience
Snow and ice expose learners to low-grip conditions they may face after passing their test. Controlled exposure, at low speeds, can help pupils understand:
- Reduced braking effectiveness
- Increased stopping distances
- The importance of smooth steering and throttle control
This experience can make learners more cautious and adaptable drivers.
2. Improved Hazard Awareness
Driving in winter conditions forces learners to read the road more carefully. They become more aware of:
- Black ice
- Slush near junctions
- Reduced visibility
- Changes in road camber
These are valuable skills that translate directly into safer everyday driving.
3. Confidence Building (When Done Correctly)
When lessons are structured, some learners feel more confident. They know they can face challenges safely with guidance, not alone.
The Downsides and Risks of Teaching in Snow
1. Increased Risk of Accidents
Even experienced drivers can struggle in icy conditions. For learners, the margin for error is much smaller. Skidding at low speed can still result in:
- Minor collisions
- Kerb damage
- Loss of control at junctions
Any incident may have insurance implications for the instructor.
2. Limited Teaching Value in Severe Conditions
If roads are heavily snow-covered or untreated, lessons often become unproductive. You can spend time creeping along rather than covering parts of the test, such as:
- Roundabouts
- Independent driving
- Manoeuvres
In these cases, postponing may offer better value for both instructor and pupil.
3. Stress and Anxiety for Learners
Not all pupils benefit from winter lessons. Nervous learners may become overwhelmed, which can knock confidence back rather than build it up.
As an instructor, judging your pupil’s temperament is as important as judging the weather.
When Should Lessons Be Cancelled?
Teaching in snow is not all-or-nothing. Many instructors use clear guidelines, such as:
- Cancelling if untreated roads are icy
- Avoiding hills, rural routes, and high-speed roads
- Switching to shorter, local lessons at low speeds
- Replacing practical driving with theory or cockpit drills if conditions worsen
If you do not feel safe driving alone in those conditions, it is a good idea to cancel the lesson.
Does Teaching in Snow Affect Driving Tests?
DVSA may still conduct driving tests in winter, but they often cancel them when conditions are unsafe. Teaching pupils in snow will not specifically prepare them for a snow-based test, as examiners avoid assessing candidates in dangerous conditions.
This means winter lessons should focus on general vehicle control and safety, not test-specific outcomes.
Is Teaching in Snow a Good Idea?
There is no single right answer. Teaching learner drivers in snow can benefit them when conditions are manageable and instructors adapt lessons accordingly. It can also be risky and unproductive when roads are genuinely hazardous.
For most instructors, the best approach is a case-by-case decision based on:
- Local road conditions
- The learner’s confidence and experience
- Vehicle suitability
Being cautious is not unprofessional. In many cases, it is the most responsible choice.