Driving in Strong Wind and Changing Weather: Tips for Learners in Melbourne

1. Why Is Driving in Strong Wind Dangerous?

Strong winds can affect a vehicle's stability, steering and road position.

Sudden gusts may push your car sideways, particularly when travelling along exposed roads, crossing bridges or passing larger vehicles.

Common Hazards

• Fallen branches and flying debris.
• Sudden sideways movement of vehicles.
• Reduced visibility from rain and road spray.
• Unstable motorcycles, trucks and caravans.
• Increased difficulty maintaining lane position.
• Water collecting on road surfaces.
• Unexpected braking or steering by other drivers.
• Damaged traffic signs or temporary roadwork barriers.

2. Check the Weather Before Starting Your Journey

One of the most important lessons from the driving videos is to check weather conditions before travelling.

Before Leaving Home, Check:

• Bureau of Meteorology forecasts and severe weather warnings.
• VicTraffic road closures and traffic incidents.
• Possible fallen trees, flooding or storm damage.
• Whether your planned route includes exposed roads or bridges.
• Whether your journey can safely be delayed.

Should Learner Drivers Drive During Severe Weather?

If severe wind warnings, thunderstorms or dangerous road conditions are expected, consider postponing your journey or driving lesson.

Learner drivers should never feel pressured to drive in conditions beyond their current ability.

3. Reduce Your Speed in Strong Winds

Safe speed management is one of the most important skills when driving in difficult weather.

Strong gusts can affect your vehicle's stability and make steering corrections more difficult. Driving at a lower, appropriate speed generally gives you more time to recognise hazards and respond safely.

Why Should You Slow Down?

• Maintain better vehicle control.
• React to sudden gusts.
• Avoid obstacles or debris.
• Reduce stopping distances.
• Respond to unexpected movements by other vehicles.

Example: Driving on a Melbourne Road

Imagine travelling along an 80 km/h road when strong winds begin pushing your vehicle sideways.

Rather than continuing at 80 km/h simply because it is the speed limit, reduce your speed smoothly to a level suitable for the conditions. Avoid harsh braking unless necessary.

4. Keep Both Hands on the Steering Wheel

Strong winds can push your vehicle sideways without warning. Maintaining proper steering control is essential.

A useful starting position is to hold the steering wheel at approximately 9 and 3 o'clock, allowing you to make controlled steering adjustments.

Good Steering Habits

• Use both hands: Maintain a secure grip, particularly in exposed areas.
• Avoid gripping too tightly: Excessive tension can make steering movements less smooth.
• Look ahead: Focus on your intended path rather than staring at the bonnet.
• Make gentle corrections: Avoid sudden or excessive steering movements.
• Maintain lane position: Keep your vehicle safely within its lane.

What Should You Do If a Gust Pushes Your Car Sideways?

1. Stay calm and keep both hands on the steering wheel.
2. Ease off the accelerator smoothly if necessary.
3. Look towards your intended path.
4. Make small, controlled steering corrections.
5. Avoid sudden braking or overcorrecting.
6. Increase your distance from surrounding vehicles where possible.

5. Be Prepared for Sudden Crosswinds

Crosswinds are winds that blow across the direction of travel. They can push your vehicle sideways and make it harder to maintain the correct road position.

Where Are Crosswinds Particularly Dangerous?

How to Handle Crosswinds Safely

Reduce speed before entering an exposed section of road. Keep both hands on the steering wheel and allow extra space around your vehicle.

Be prepared for a sudden change in wind force when moving from a sheltered area into an open space.

6. Maintain a Safe Following Distance

Strong winds and heavy rain can increase the risks associated with following another vehicle too closely.

A longer following gap gives you more time to respond if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly, swerves around debris or loses control.

How Much Distance Should You Leave?

In good conditions, a three-second following gap is a useful general starting point.

In strong winds or wet weather, increase that gap substantially as conditions require. Four seconds or more may be appropriate in some adverse conditions, but no single time gap guarantees safety.

How to Check Your Following Distance

1. Choose a fixed roadside object, such as a sign or pole.
2. When the vehicle ahead passes it, begin counting seconds.
3. If you reach the same object too soon, increase your following distance.

7. Be Extra Careful Around Trucks, Buses and Caravans

Large vehicles are particularly affected by crosswinds because their sides present a larger surface area to the wind.

Vehicles Requiring Extra Caution

• Trucks and semi-trailers.
• Buses and coaches.
• Caravans and trailers.
• Vehicles carrying large or unusual loads.
• Motorcycles and scooters.

Why Are Larger Vehicles Risky in Windy Conditions?

Strong gusts can cause some vehicles to sway or move unexpectedly within their lanes. Motorcyclists may also need to adjust their road position to remain stable.

Safe Driving Habits

• Maintain appropriate clearance when passing larger vehicles.
• Avoid remaining alongside a truck unnecessarily, particularly in exposed areas.
• Only overtake when conditions, visibility, available space and road rules allow it.

8. Watch for Flying Debris and Fallen Trees

Strong winds can blow objects onto the road without warning.

Common Hazards

• Tree branches and loose vegetation.
• Rubbish bins and plastic bags.
• Temporary signs and construction materials.
• Loose objects from vehicles.
• Damaged fences or roadside structures.

What Should You Do If Debris Appears Ahead?

First, assess the hazard early. Reduce speed smoothly and check your surroundings.

Avoid sudden swerving, especially if another vehicle is beside you or approaching from the opposite direction.

If a large branch, fallen tree or other obstruction blocks the road, stop at a safe distance and do not attempt to drive over it.

9. Understand the Risks of Heavy Rain and Road Spray

Strong winds often arrive with heavy rain. Rain can reduce visibility, affect tyre grip and increase stopping distances.

Road spray from trucks and other vehicles can make it difficult to see the road ahead.

How to Drive Safely in Heavy Rain

• Reduce speed: Drive according to visibility and road conditions.
• Increase following distance: Allow additional time to react.
• Use appropriate headlights: Improve visibility and help others see your vehicle.
• Use windscreen wipers: Adjust the speed as necessary.
• Avoid sudden movements: Brake, steer and accelerate smoothly.
• Watch for standing water: Deep puddles may hide road damage and increase the risk of losing traction.

Important: Do Not Rely Only on Automatic Headlights

Some automatic headlight systems may not activate during daytime rain or heavy road spray.

Check that your headlights are operating when visibility is reduced. Under Victorian road rules, headlights must be used at night and in hazardous weather conditions causing reduced visibility.

10. What Is Aquaplaning?

Aquaplaning occurs when water builds up between a vehicle's tyres and the road surface, causing the tyres to lose effective contact with the road.

This can result in reduced steering and braking control.

Common Causes

• Excessive speed on wet roads.
• Standing water.
• Worn tyres.
• Inadequate tyre pressure.
• Heavy rainfall.

What Should You Do If Your Car Aquaplanes?

1. Remain calm.
2. Ease off the accelerator smoothly.
3. Keep the steering wheel steady and pointed towards your intended path.
4. Avoid harsh braking or sudden steering.
5. Allow the tyres to regain grip before making further adjustments.

How Can You Reduce the Risk?

Slow down when roads are wet. Avoid driving through standing water where possible. Maintain suitable tyre tread and tyre pressure.

11. How to Drive Safely When Visibility Suddenly Changes

Melbourne weather can change rapidly, particularly during thunderstorms and heavy showers.

A learner driver may move from clear visibility into heavy rain within minutes.

What Should You Do?

• Reduce speed progressively.
• Increase following distance.
• Turn on appropriate headlights.
• Use windscreen wipers and demisters.
• Look further ahead for hazards.
• Avoid unnecessary lane changes.
• Stop somewhere safe if visibility becomes too poor to continue.

Example: Driving Towards Frankston

You're driving towards Frankston when a heavy shower begins. Water spray from the vehicle ahead makes it difficult to see lane markings.

Instead of continuing at your previous speed, reduce speed smoothly, increase your following distance and ensure your headlights are on.

If conditions become unsafe, find a suitable location to stop.

12. Be Careful When Changing Lanes in Strong Winds

Changing lanes during strong winds requires additional planning.

A sudden gust can affect your vehicle's movement, while surrounding vehicles may also be struggling to maintain their position.

Safe Lane-Changing Procedure

• Check mirrors: Identify vehicles approaching from behind.
• Check blind spots: Ensure the adjacent lane is clear.
• Signal: Communicate your intention clearly.
• Assess the gap: Allow additional space in difficult conditions.
• Move smoothly: Avoid sudden steering.
• Maintain control: Keep a steady, appropriate speed.

Common Mistake

A learner driver begins changing lanes just as a strong gust pushes the vehicle sideways. This may result in an unexpectedly sharp movement.

13. Watch for Motorcyclists and Cyclists

Motorcyclists and cyclists are more vulnerable to sudden wind gusts. Wind may push them sideways or require them to change their position within the lane.

When Approaching or Passing Them

• Reduce speed when necessary.
• Allow appropriate clearance.
• Avoid passing during strong gusts if it is unsafe.
• Be prepared for sudden movement.
• Never pressure a rider by following too closely.

Victorian Bicycle Passing Rules

When passing a cyclist in Victoria, drivers must generally leave at least:

14. Take Extra Care Around Roadworks and Construction Zones

Temporary roadwork signs, barriers and loose materials can be affected by strong winds.

Learner drivers should be especially alert when approaching construction areas.

Common Hazards

• Temporary signs falling or moving.
• Loose construction materials.
• Narrowed lanes.
• Unexpected changes in traffic direction.
• Workers operating close to moving vehicles.

Safe Driving Habits

• Follow temporary speed limits and traffic-control directions.
• Reduce speed where necessary.
• Maintain safe clearance from workers and equipment.
• Avoid sudden lane changes.

15. When Should You Stop Driving in Strong Winds?

There is no reason to continue driving when conditions become unsafe.

Consider Stopping Your Journey If:

• Strong gusts make the vehicle difficult to control.
• Visibility becomes severely reduced.
• Fallen trees or debris block the road.
• Heavy rain creates dangerous surface water.
• You feel unable to maintain safe road positioning.
• Authorities advise against non-essential travel.

How to Stop Safely

Look for a suitable, legal location such as a service station or safe parking area.

Avoid stopping beneath large trees, near powerlines or in flood-prone locations.

Do not stop on a freeway or emergency stopping lane simply to wait out ordinary bad weather. Use emergency stopping areas only as permitted and when genuinely necessary.

If you need to inform someone about a delay, do so only after stopping safely.

16. Prepare Your Vehicle for Changing Weather

Before driving in challenging conditions, make sure your vehicle is properly maintained.

Essential Vehicle Checks

17. Driving in Strong Winds on Melbourne Freeways

Melbourne freeways can present additional challenges during severe weather.

Examples include the Monash Freeway, EastLink, Peninsula Link and exposed sections of major arterial roads.

Potential Hazards

• Strong crosswinds.
• Heavy vehicle movements.
• Road spray.
• Sudden traffic congestion.
• Water collecting on road surfaces.
• Reduced visibility.
• Unexpected lane changes by other drivers.

Freeway Driving Tips

• Maintain a suitable speed for the conditions.
• Keep a generous following distance.
• Avoid travelling alongside large vehicles unnecessarily.
• Look well ahead for brake lights and changing traffic conditions.
• Check electronic speed signs and obey any temporary speed restrictions.

18. Driving in Strong Winds During the VicRoads Drive Test

Weather conditions may change unexpectedly on the day of your VicRoads Drive Test.

Examiners assess whether you can operate the vehicle safely and follow road rules.

Important Skills Include

• Speed management: Adjusting speed for road and weather conditions.
• Steering control: Maintaining a stable and appropriate road position.
• Observation: Recognising potential hazards early.
• Following distance: Leaving adequate space to respond safely.
• Smooth braking: Avoiding unnecessary harsh braking.
• Decision-making: Recognising when conditions require additional caution.

Can Bad Weather Affect Your Driving Test?

Yes. Wet roads, reduced visibility and strong winds can make driving more difficult. Dangerous weather may also affect whether a test can safely proceed.

If severe weather is forecast for your test, check official VicRoads communications or contact the relevant test centre for guidance.

Can You Fail for Driving Too Slowly in Bad Weather?

Driving at a safe speed below the posted limit can be appropriate when conditions require it.

However, driving unnecessarily slowly or creating avoidable hazards may also affect your assessment.

19. Common Mistakes Learner Drivers Make in Windy Weather

20. A Simple Routine for Driving in Changing Weather

This routine can help learner drivers respond calmly and confidently when the weather changes unexpectedly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving in Strong Winds

Final Tips: Stay Safe When Melbourne's Weather Changes

Strong winds and unpredictable weather are part of driving in Melbourne.

Learner drivers should develop the confidence to recognise changing conditions and adjust their driving safely.

Remember These Five Essential Habits

1. CHECK THE WEATHER: Review forecasts and warnings before travelling.
2. REDUCE SPEED: Never assume the posted speed limit is suitable in severe weather.
3. MAINTAIN CONTROL: Keep both hands on the steering wheel and steer smoothly.
4. ALLOW EXTRA SPACE: Increase following distance and clearance from other road users.
5. KNOW WHEN TO STOP: Postpone or end your journey if conditions become unsafe.