Winter in the UK often brings more than just a chill in the air. With early morning frost, persistent rain, and creeping fog, one of the biggest challenges for drivers—especially new ones—is maintaining good visibility. A misted-up windscreen or fogged side mirrors might seem like a small inconvenience, but they can significantly impact your safety behind the wheel.

At Surrey Driving Force, we place great emphasis on helping learner drivers understand not just how to drive, but how to do so safely in all conditions. In this blog, we’ll explain why clear vision is so vital during the winter months and share practical tips to help you keep your windscreen and windows clear—whether you’re learning to drive in Epsom, Guildford, Woking, or anywhere else across Surrey.

Why Clear Visibility Matters More in Winter

During winter, conditions on the road can change in an instant. Rain, fog, sleet, and icy windscreens reduce your ability to see clearly and judge distances accurately. Darkness also arrives earlier, so you may be driving in dim light or even full darkness during evening lessons or practice sessions.

When your vision is compromised, your reaction time slows, and you’re more likely to miss important hazards like road signs, pedestrians, or cyclists. That’s why visibility isn’t just a comfort issue—it’s a critical safety concern.

Common Visibility Challenges in Cold Weather

Before we jump into the solutions, here’s a look at the most common issues learner drivers face when it comes to visibility in winter:

  • Condensation on the inside of windows

  • Frost or ice on the outside of the windscreen

  • Fog reducing your external field of vision

  • Low winter sun creating glare

  • Mud, grit, or salt obscuring the windscreen

Each of these issues can occur on its own—or in combination—which makes it essential to know how to deal with them quickly and effectively.

Tackling Windscreen Condensation

Condensation is caused by the difference in temperature between the inside and outside of the car, along with moisture in the air inside your vehicle. It’s especially common when you get into a cold car after walking in the rain.

To clear condensation quickly:

  • Turn on the heater and set it to blow warm air onto the windscreen.

  • Use the air conditioning if your vehicle has it, as it helps remove moisture from the air.

  • Open windows slightly for a few minutes to help equalise the temperature and let out damp air.

If you’re regularly dealing with condensation, it’s worth checking for damp items left in the car, like wet coats, umbrellas, or floor mats. Removing these can significantly reduce internal moisture build-up.

Dealing with External Frost and Ice

If you leave your car outside overnight, chances are you’ll wake to find it frosted over. It’s illegal in the UK to drive without fully clearing your windscreen and windows, so it’s vital you do this before setting off.

  • Use a proper ice scraper rather than makeshift tools like credit cards.

  • Apply a good quality de-icer spray to speed up the process.

  • Never use boiling water on the windscreen—it can cause the glass to crack.

  • Make sure you clear all the windows, not just a small patch in front of the driver.

It’s a good idea to give yourself an extra 10 to 15 minutes before your journey in winter, especially first thing in the morning, so you’re not tempted to rush the process.

Using Your Demisters and Heaters Properly

Your car’s built-in climate control systems are your best friends during winter. Most modern vehicles come with front and rear windscreen demisters—buttons that activate heating elements to help clear condensation or frost.

To get the best results:

  • Use the front windscreen demister in combination with warm air and AC to tackle interior fog.

  • Switch on the rear demister to clear the back window and ensure good all-round visibility.

  • Adjust your mirrors if they’re heated, or give them a quick wipe before starting your journey.

If your car doesn’t have these features, carry a clean, dry microfibre cloth to help clear fog manually.

Driving in External Fog: What You Need to Know

If fog is present outside the vehicle, your ability to see ahead may be drastically reduced. The law states you must use your fog lights when visibility drops below 100 metres (roughly the length of a football pitch). But remember to turn them off when conditions improve to avoid dazzling other drivers.

Some important rules:

  • Use dipped headlights (never full beam in fog as it reflects off the mist).

  • Reduce your speed and increase your following distance.

  • Stay alert for vehicles without lights or pedestrians on the roadside.

Instructors at Surrey Driving Force will always guide you through foggy driving conditions if they arise during lessons, but practising caution is key.

Keeping Your Windscreen Clean and Topped Up

With more grime, grit, and salt on the roads in winter, your windscreen can quickly become dirty. Dirty glass is more prone to glare and difficult to see through, especially in low sunlight.

Make sure to:

  • Keep your windscreen washer fluid topped up with a solution rated for freezing temperatures.

  • Regularly clean the inside and outside of your windscreen with a glass cleaner to reduce smears and haze.

  • Check that your wiper blades are in good condition and replace them if they smear or skip.

Final Thoughts

Clear vision is the foundation of safe driving—especially in the winter months when conditions are more demanding. As a learner driver, building the habit of preparing your car properly and staying aware of visibility challenges will serve you long after you pass your test.

At Surrey Driving Force, our instructors cover every aspect of seasonal driving and are on hand to guide you through the techniques and tools you need to drive safely throughout the year. If you’re ready to book lessons or have questions about winter driving, get in touch via our contact page: www.surreydrivingforce.co.uk/contact-us

Stay safe, stay seen, and remember—a clear windscreen makes for a clearer mind behind the wheel.