Driving in Difficult Conditions

Winter & bad weather driving, route planning, vehicle control, incidents

$42 +GST per person ($48.30)

Driving in Difficult Conditions

Winter & bad weather driving, route planning, vehicle control, incidents

Everyone has to drive in difficult conditions from time-to-time, whether it's snow and ice, torrential rain, fog, high winds, flooding or variable light. Driving for work in these weather and road conditions is challenging.

This course demonstrates safe driving techniques when the weather is bad, plus talks about route planning, vehicle checks, what to carry in your vehicle and what to do in an emergency. It also covers braking and cornering when traction is reduced and how to drive smoothly to further minimise risk and wear and tear on the vehicle. 

  • Who is this course for?

    • Light and heavy vehicle drivers of all kinds - customise the module selection for your individual drivers' requirements
    • Drivers working in remote areas
    • Drivers exposed to bad weather on the job

  • What do you get with the course?

    Full access to all training materials for 6 months

    Study in your own time at your own pace, take the modules as many times as you need to and really get to know the information. You can access it on any computer, smartphone or tablet wherever there's an internet connection available.

    The course consists of over an hour of video broken down into shorter modules. Each module has questions after it to cement a driver's understanding of the concepts demonstrated.

    Management

    If you're managing other drivers, you can add more managers at no extra cost. They can download detailed reports, plus track and manage drivers. Managers can generate certificates on completion of the course.

    You get access to the course for a full 6 months which means your driver can take a couple of months to finish the modules and can come back to it as a refresher anytime until the course access expires - this is great if you need to do any remedial work with them. 

    Set up is free whether you are purchasing one course licence or a hundred course licences.

  • FAQs

    Where is the course held? The whole course is completed online. If you would like further practical, in-vehicle training, please call 0800 637 000. Extra charges will apply.

    What vehicles does the course cover? Cars, utes and trucks

    I only have light vehicles. Do my drivers have to do the heavy vehicle modules? No, you can disable those modules for your light vehicle drivers

    We never get snow or ice where we work. Do my drivers have to do the snow and ice modules? No, many of the modules are optional and can be disabled so that you can customise the course to suit your drivers. The optional modules are: trucks, emergency kit, clothing, stranded in snow, driving in icy conditions, driving in snowy conditions, and driving trucks in high winds. 

  • Requirements

    • You will need one course licence per person taking the course - you can't use one licence for multiple operators
    • You will need a computer, smartphone or tablet with internet access to take the theory training

$42 +GST per person ($48.30)

 

Certificate of Completion

 

Approximately 2 hours

 

Full access for 6 months

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Course provided by
DT Driver Training

DT is NZ's largest supplier of online driver training

Training modules

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Vehicle dynamics and limitations

How does bad weather and road conditions affect your driving, how will your vehicle react and how should you change your driving style of accommodate this?
  • Introduction to driving in bad weather
    Learn about the varied winter driving conditions and explore preparation strategies for adverse weather.
    2 minutes
  • Vehicle dynamics
    Understand how weight transfer, traction, and vehicle momentum affect driving performance on slippery surfaces, including techniques for managing understeer and oversteer.
    8 minutes
  • Cars and utes
    Learn vehicle preparation techniques, visibility management, and driving adaptations for different car types in winter conditions, including proper use of safety features.
    6 minutes
  • Heavy vehicles
    Master specialised techniques for heavy vehicle operation in winter conditions, including jackknife prevention, load distribution, and proper use of differential locks.
    7 minutes

Planning, risks & emergencies

How do you prepare for a journey filled with hazards and what do you do if the unthinkable happens?
  • Emergency kit
    Prepare a comprehensive winter survival kit for your vehicle with appropriate tools, safety equipment, and supplies for handling breakdowns and emergency situations.
    2 minutes
  • Vehicle checks
    Implement thorough daily and weekly inspection routines specific to winter driving, including fluid levels, tyre condition, and essential safety systems.
    2 minutes
  • Clothing
    Select and manage appropriate winter driving attire that balances warmth and mobility while ensuring safe vehicle operation and emergency readiness.
    3 minutes
  • Route planning
    Develop effective journey planning strategies using weather forecasts, road condition reports, and alternate route identification for safer winter travel.
    4 minutes
  • Incidents and accidents
    Learn preventive measures and emergency response procedures for winter driving incidents, including safe exit strategies and survival techniques.
    6 minutes
  • Stranded in snow
    Master survival techniques and vehicle management when stranded, including proper use of available resources and communication with emergency services.
    3 minutes

Vehicle control

Improve your skills behind the wheel by learning the technique professional drivers use to anticipate hazards ahead and to drive smoothly and efficiently
  • Signs & reading the road ahead
    Interpret and respond appropriately to winter road warning signs, variable message boards, and changing road condition indicators during adverse weather.
    8 minutes
  • Braking and accelerating
    Master precise brake and throttle control techniques for maintaining vehicle stability in adverse conditions while preventing skids and slides.
    4 minutes
  • Following and stopping distances
    Calculate and maintain appropriate vehicle spacing based on weather conditions, vehicle type, and road surface conditions for safer winter driving.
    4 minutes
  • Cornering
    Apply proper speed selection, line choice, and vehicle control techniques for safe cornering in various winter weather conditions.
    5 minutes

Driving in specific difficult conditions

This section prepares you for the kind of weather and road conditions that dramatically increase the risk you'll have an accident
  • Driving in icy conditions
    Identify different types of ice formation, anticipate dangerous areas, and apply appropriate driving techniques for maintaining control on icy surfaces.
    6 minutes
  • Driving in snowy conditions
    Navigate safely through various snow conditions while managing traction, visibility, and vehicle stability, including proper use of snow chains.
    5 minutes
  • Driving with sunstrike
    Handle low-angle winter sun conditions effectively by managing visibility, adjusting driving position, and using appropriate eye protection equipment.
    3 minutes
  • Driving in variable light
    Adapt driving techniques and vehicle lighting for rapidly changing winter light conditions while maintaining visibility and road awareness.
    1 minutes
  • Driving in fog or smoke
    Navigate safely through reduced visibility conditions using appropriate lights, speed management, and distance control techniques.
    2 minutes
  • Driving through floods
    Assess water depth, current strength, and surface conditions to make informed decisions about crossing flooded areas while maintaining vehicle safety.
    7 minutes
  • Driving in wet weather
    Master techniques for maintaining vehicle control in heavy rain, including hydroplaning prevention and proper use of lighting systems.
    2 minutes
  • Driving in strong winds
    Learn to anticipate and handle wind gusts while maintaining vehicle stability and safe positioning on exposed roads.
    3 minutes
  • Driving trucks in high winds
    Apply specialised techniques for managing high-sided vehicles in strong winds, including proper load distribution and emergency procedures
    4 minutes
  • Dangerous scenarios
    Identify and safely navigate high-risk winter situations including bridges, mountain passes, and shaded corners while applying appropriate safety measures.
    3 minutes
Your courses
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Driving in Difficult Conditions

Winter & bad weather driving, route planning, vehicle control, incidents

$42 +GST per person ($48.30)

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