Whether you’re preparing for your road test or recently received your license, you’ll soon realize that night driving is a tough skill to master. At night, color recognition, peripheral vision, and depth perception are diminished, making it hard to see and respond to outside elements. To remain safe in these challenging conditions, practice the following tips.

How to Drive Safely in the Dark

1. Get to Know Your Lighting

Before driving at night, review your inside and outside lighting options. Inside, make sure your dashboard isn't too bright and distracting. Check your owner's manual to learn how to dim the lights, so the most important controls are visible.

When it comes to outside lighting, your low beams will be essential on busier roads. They provide enough illumination to see around 250 feet ahead and won't adversely affect other drivers. For darker or emptier streets, turn on your high beams, which provide increased visibility but need to be shut off within 500 feet of other vehicles.

2. Clean Your Windshield

While a dirty or damaged windshield might be bothersome during the day, it can be a hazard at night. The glass will scatter incoming light and create more glare, so be sure to clean the inside and outside of the windshield for optimal visibility.

3. Adjust Your Gaze

To avoid getting temporarily blinded, don't look directly into the lights of oncoming traffic. When sharing the road, look down and focus on the white line. This will help you stay safely in your lane and prevent a headache from the bright lights.

4. Drive Defensively

In the dark, it's more important than ever to drive defensively. While you might be in a rush to get home, you need to slow down to account for reduced visibility and reaction times. Also, keep an eye out for wildlife that comes out more often at dusk. If you're alert, you should be able to slow down and not swerve to avoid animals.

If you’re looking to boost your night driving skills before taking your road test, enroll at Morgan School of Driving in Fairport, NY. With additional locations in Greece and Rochester, they help drivers throughout the area pass their road tests and build confidence on the road. Their course options include private driving lessons, a 5-hour pre-licensing course, and Point and Insurance Reduction Programs. Their professional team tailors lessons to your needs, and if you’re unable to come to the office, they can come to you. Schedule a session by calling (585) 425-2410, or visit them online to find out more about driver training.