Getting around is difficult if you have to rely on public transit. Because of this, you most definitely want to get a driving permit or license as soon as possible in order to avoid having to wait for buses in the rain or walk several miles in order to get to your destination. In order to pass your driving examination, you'll need to prove that you can drive safely on the road. Unfortunately, driving in the sun and in the rain can be quite different. For one, you'll need to learn different driving techniques from your driving instructor. If you plan on taking your driving examination during the rainy season, consider the following three tips.

Replace the Windshield Wipers for Better Visibility

While most new drivers typically focus their attention on the condition of the wheels or other car parts, one of the most important things that you should really be thinking about is the condition of the windshield wipers. The windshield wipers play an important role when driving in the rain. This removes water streaks from the windshield so that you have optimal visibility.

With that said, you should really replace your windshield wipers every six months to a year or whenever you start to notice a difference in overall driving visibility. Your windshield wipers need to be replaced if they begin to squeak, chatter, or even skip. You should also pay attention to the wiper's ability to reduce water streaks or smears on your windshield. Check to ensure that the rubber squeegee is secure in the wiper frame before you even begin to drive.

Avoid Heavy Braking or Rapid Acceleration

To pass your driving examination during rainy weather, it's crucial that you know the difference between driving in the rain and in the sun. If it's possible, ask your driving instructor to spend some time on the road with you when it rains. There is no better way to learn how to drive safely in the rain than to practice. On top of having to drive more slowly and to give more room and space between you and the car ahead of you, there are some other rules you should be aware of.

In particular, you'll want to avoid heavy braking or rapid acceleration. Your tires don't function as well on slippery surfaces and can easily skid even if you have traction-control features on. Step on the gas slowly when you accelerate and begin to brake way before you need to to avoid skidding or hydroplaning.

Choose a Vehicle with the Traction-Control Feature

If you have a choice, drive a vehicle with a traction-control feature for your driving test. This feature will work to prevent the wheels from skidding and slipping on slippery surfaces. You can turn the feature on or off on the car, so if the road is dry when it's time to take your test, you can easily turn the feature off. The traction-control feature will increase the amount of traction that the wheels have when you first start to accelerate. This will give you more control and better handling over the car to prevent accidents from happening.

Although the traction-control feature can make driving in rainy weather a lot more safe, you also need to know when to turn the feature off. You should turn off the traction-control feature if your car gets stuck in mud or snow. You should also turn the feature off if you are using tire chains, as the feature will only cause unnecessary wear.

Conclusion

Driving in the rain isn't always difficult. You just have to master the correct safety techniques, and you'll be fine. If you are not comfortable with driving in the rain, let the examiner or your driving instructor know so that you can reschedule the examination for better weather.