4 ms·

Winter driving is a slightly different beast indeed; however, a lot is achieved if one makes an effort to drive more passively - increasing the distance to the

by lb1lf 10y ago

Winter driving is a slightly different beast indeed; however, a lot is achieved if one makes an effort to drive more passively - increasing the distance to the car in front, start braking early, &c. Any driving school will be happy to give winter driving lessons even if you have a valid licence, by the way - and no, no matter what shenanigans you pull during the lesson, they cannot have your licence revoked. So, if your spouse isn't too comfortable driving on the icy stuff[0], just get in touch with a driving school (preferably in winter, though we do have dedicated tracks with artificial cooling here and there - nothing like skidding around on half an inch of ice in July...) [0] Here's me assuming he's !Norwegian, too...

Broken_Hippo 10y ago
I have a valid American licence for a while more, but I missed the window for taking only the written exam. Therefore, I am required to take the classes nevertheless. I understand that winter driving is part of the standard lessons, though I considered taking the class during the winter just for the experience. (Of course, if the winters have as little snow as this past one, it might not make a difference). He's Norwegian, and very comfortable. The differences on his caution and mine is striking. He drives faster than I would, in mountains, with little to no sliding. Average "snow speeds" are faster here, but I'm sure some of that is because folks use snow tires instead of the "all weather" tires folks used in the states. But to be fair, I'm actually luckier than immigrants having no practical experience with snow and cold and I'm sure most of my previous caution will transfer over nicely.
- lb1lf 10y ago
  Suggestion: If he's eligible for doing driving practice with you (Basically - older than 25 and has had his licence for more than five years uninterrupted), just find a large, open parking lot once some snow and ice is around. Honestly, simply spending a few hours in an empty parking lot did more for whatever winter driving skills I may have picked up than any formal driving lesson did. There's a lot to be said for trying to maneuver the car and failing miserably to do so - repeatedly - without hitting anything. Most educational. (And fun! Just don't get too carried away, or the police will chew on you + spouse for reckless driving if they are bored.) Proper winter tires helps a lot. As does a gentle right foot and slow, smooth operation of the steering wheel (And if you really want to go native - studded tires and 4x4) (Not that I expect this to be news to you; I'm just making small talk, as it were. :))

by lb1lf 10y ago

Broken_Hippo 10y ago

I have a valid American licence for a while more, but I missed the window for taking only the written exam. Therefore, I am required to take the classes nevertheless. I understand that winter driving is part of the standard lessons, though I considered taking the class during the winter just for the experience. (Of course, if the winters have as little snow as this past one, it might not make a difference). He's Norwegian, and very comfortable. The differences on his caution and mine is striking. He drives faster than I would, in mountains, with little to no sliding. Average "snow speeds" are faster here, but I'm sure some of that is because folks use snow tires instead of the "all weather" tires folks used in the states. But to be fair, I'm actually luckier than immigrants having no practical experience with snow and cold and I'm sure most of my previous caution will transfer over nicely.

lb1lf 10y ago
Suggestion: If he's eligible for doing driving practice with you (Basically - older than 25 and has had his licence for more than five years uninterrupted), just find a large, open parking lot once some snow and ice is around. Honestly, simply spending a few hours in an empty parking lot did more for whatever winter driving skills I may have picked up than any formal driving lesson did. There's a lot to be said for trying to maneuver the car and failing miserably to do so - repeatedly - without hitting anything. Most educational. (And fun! Just don't get too carried away, or the police will chew on you + spouse for reckless driving if they are bored.) Proper winter tires helps a lot. As does a gentle right foot and slow, smooth operation of the steering wheel (And if you really want to go native - studded tires and 4x4) (Not that I expect this to be news to you; I'm just making small talk, as it were. :))