Lights, wipers and demisters

By the end of this topic you can

• You can switch between sidelights, dipped beam and main beam.
• You can decide when to dip your headlights.
• You can use fog lights and hazard lights correctly.
• You can clear misted or iced windows before and during a drive.

What you need to know and understand

• Use dipped headlights at night and whenever visibility is poor in the day.
• Main beam helps on dark, unlit roads, but dip it for oncoming traffic, when following another vehicle and wherever it could dazzle others.
• Fog lights must only be used in dense fog or falling snow, and switched off when visibility improves.
• Hazard lights warn others that your car is stopped and causing an obstruction, or briefly warn of a hazard ahead.
• Keep your wipers, blades and washers in good working order, the washer fluid topped up and the windscreen clean.
• The driving test includes secondary controls, such as the windscreen washers, wipers and lights.

Which light, when

If you are dazzled by oncoming lights, slow down and look towards the left edge of the road. Do not respond by switching to main beam.

• Sidelights: when parked in a place where lights are needed. They are not enough for driving at night.
• Dipped beam: at night on all roads, and in rain, mist or dull days so you are seen.
• Main beam: on unlit roads when no one is ahead or coming towards you.
• Fog lights: only in dense fog or falling snow.
• Hazard lights: when broken down or stopped where you are a hazard, or briefly to warn traffic behind of danger ahead.

Clear windows before you go

1. Clear all windows, mirrors and lights of frost, snow or dirt before moving off, not just a small patch.
2. Turn on the front demister and direct air at the windscreen.
3. Switch on the heated rear window.
4. Air conditioning, if fitted, clears mist faster.
5. Wait until you can see properly before driving.

Wipers and washers

Know how to switch the wipers to intermittent, normal and fast, and how to use the front and rear washers. Replace blades that smear or squeak, and keep the washer bottle topped up. Use a proper screen wash, especially in winter, so it does not freeze.

Common mistakes

• Driving at night on sidelights only.
• Forgetting to switch off fog lights after the fog clears, dazzling drivers behind.
• Leaving main beam on when following another car.
• Setting off with a tiny peephole cleared in a frosted windscreen.

Test yourself: Lights, wipers and demisters

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.