Night time driving test

suki1964

Well I took my lesson and test 12 years ago, and I took many a lesson in the dark, the rain, the snow and fog ( I took a lot of lessons lol )

My husband took his test 45 years ago and he still hates driving in the dark. he learned in a city which is never dark, I learned in the country with no street lights

Your OH has only been driving a short while, she will adjust and get used to it

The_Rainmaker

OP why didn't you take her out for some practice in the dark when she was learning?

daveyjp

A good instructor will teach more than just how to drive, this includes driving in the dark.

Has she been taught how to fill a car with fuel?  A good instructor would do that and not as part of the lesson.  

If she is nervous get her on a Passplus course asap.

Dr_Crypto

There used to be courses that people could take after their test to boost their skill and confidence. Pluspass I think one was called and also the IAM. 

Norman_Castle

renegadefm said:

Is it out of the question to assume we need a daylight and night time test or lessons? 

What would night time lessons teach? Your partner needs more experience of driving at night, judging anything from her first, accident free, night time drive means nothing. Darkness means restricted visibility, she's right to be more cautious at night.

"My whole point was if drivers avoid or cant drive in the dark surely they shouldn't be driving at all"

I know two people who avoid driving in the dark, one is a keen driver who at times has done 50k per year, the other drove for a living for years. You're perceiving reluctance to drive in the dark as a failing rather than a choice.

RichardD1970

Pass Plus was introduced in 1999

https//www.gov.uk/pass-plus

It covers night driving. 
Always asked about it on insurance, but don't know what, if any, effect it has on quotes.

Mercdriver

Try and focus on the positives.  For example when you come across tight bends it's actually easier at night as you have people's headlights to help prewarn you.  

renegadefm

The_Rainmaker said:

OP why didn't you take her out for some practice in the dark when she was learning?

I dont know,  the topic never really came up. I guess I over looked it until she needed to drive in the dark. 

forgotmyname

What if you pass your test in Scotland and need to drive to London, should you have lessons in every
major city and their outskirts just in case?  Or the reverse passing your test in London should you have
lessons in a rural area?

As my instructor told me after passing my test, you have your licence now go and learn to drive properly.

renegadefm

forgotmyname said:

As my instructor told me after passing my test, you have your licence now go and learn to drive properly.

Mine said exactly the same thing and his words stayed with me to this day. He said you have only passed your test to drive legally without aid,  its only now you will start learning. He was so true. 
I suppose if you look at it another way without seeming sarcastic,  we don't need a test at all as it seems to contradict so many things such as night driving,  harsh weather,  maybe just basic lessons from an instructor or family member, or friend and learn that way is all thats needed? 
I grew up on a farm driving tractors but no test was involved as its all off road. But you could argue its heavy plant machinery at the end of the day.