Winter Driving 101: What New Canadian Drivers Need to Know

If you're getting your learner's permit in Canada, chances are you'll be learning to drive in winter conditions. Here's what you need to know to stay safe when the snow starts falling.

Why Winter Driving is Different

What Changes in Winter

Road Conditions:

Ice makes roads slippery
Snow reduces tire traction
Slush creates hydroplaning
Black ice is invisible but dangerous

Visibility:

Snow reduces how far you can see
Shorter daylight hours
Fog from temperature changes
Dirty windshields from road spray

Vehicle Handling:

Longer stopping distances
Easier to skid or slide
Reduced steering control
Cold affects battery and fluids

Before You Drive

Vehicle Preparation (Your parents' responsibility, but you should know!)

Winter Tires:

Required by law in Quebec and BC (some highways)
Strongly recommended everywhere else
Look for the mountain/snowflake symbol
Install all four (not just two!)

Winter Kit Should Include:

Ice scraper and snow brush
Jumper cables
Blanket
Flashlight
Phone charger
Emergency snacks and water
Small shovel
Kitty litter or sand (for traction if stuck)

Regular Checks:

Battery strength (cold kills batteries!)
Windshield washer fluid (winter formula)
Tire pressure (drops in cold weather)
Antifreeze levels
Wiper blade condition

Personal Preparation

Before Every Winter Drive:

Clear ALL snow from car (roof, windows, hood, trunk)
Warm up car for 30 seconds to 1 minute
Check weather and road conditions
Plan extra time for slower travel
Tell someone your route and ETA

What to Wear:

Warm but not bulky coat (affects steering)
Gloves you can drive in
Boots with good traction
Keep extra warm clothes in car

Essential Winter Driving Skills

Starting and Stopping

Starting on Ice/Snow:

Apply gentle pressure to gas pedal
If wheels spin, ease off slightly
Rock gently if stuck (forward, reverse, repeat)
Use 2nd gear if you have manual transmission

Stopping on Ice/Snow:

⚠️ DOUBLE YOUR NORMAL STOPPING DISTANCE
Start braking earlier than usual
Brake gently and steadily
If you have ABS, press and hold (don't pump)
If no ABS, pump brakes gently

The 4-Second Rule:

In good conditions: 2-second following distance
In winter: minimum 4 seconds (or more!)
Pick a marker, count "one one-thousand, two one-thousand..."
If you reach the marker before finishing the count, slow down

Turning and Steering

Safe Turning Technique:

Slow down BEFORE the turn
Never brake while turning
Steer smoothly (no sudden movements)
Accelerate gently coming out of turn

If You Start to Skid:

Stay calm (don't panic!)
Take foot off gas (don't brake!)
Steer where you want to go
Don't oversteer (small movements only)
When traction returns, straighten wheels

Types of Skids:

Front-wheel skid (understeer):

Car doesn't turn enough
Ease off gas
Straighten wheel slightly
Let car slow naturally

Rear-wheel skid (oversteer):

Back of car slides out
Steer in the direction of the skid
Don't brake
Gentle throttle when you regain control

Hills and Bridges

Going Uphill:

Build speed before the hill
Maintain steady speed (don't accelerate on hill)
Don't stop if possible (hard to restart)
If you must stop, give extra space to car ahead

Going Downhill:

Slow down before descending
Use low gear to help slow car
Gentle braking, not constant
Stay in your lane

Bridges and Overpasses:

Freeze first, thaw last
Approach with caution
Reduce speed
No sudden movements

Dangerous Situations

Black Ice

What is it?

Thin, transparent ice on road
Looks like wet pavement
Forms when temp hovers around 0°C
Most common on bridges, shaded areas, early morning

Where to expect it:

Bridges and overpasses
Shaded areas under trees
Early morning or late evening
Areas where water flows across road

How to handle:

Slow down in risk areas
No sudden movements if you hit it
Keep steering wheel straight
Don't brake

Whiteout Conditions

What to do:

Pull off road safely if possible
Turn on hazard lights
Stay in vehicle
Wait for conditions to improve
Don't try to "push through"

If you must keep driving:

Slow way down
Use fog lights if you have them
Follow road lines carefully
Increase following distance to 8-10 seconds

Getting Stuck

Don't:

❌ Spin your wheels (digs you deeper)
❌ Rock aggressively (can damage transmission)
❌ Leave car running for long periods
❌ Stay outside in extreme cold

Do:

✓ Clear snow from around tires
✓ Put kitty litter/sand under drive wheels
✓ Rock gently (forward, reverse)
✓ Call for help if truly stuck
✓ Stay warm in vehicle

Winter Driving Laws You Should Know

Quebec

Winter tires mandatory Dec 1 - March 15
Fine of $200-$300 if caught without
Must have mountain/snowflake symbol

British Columbia

Winter tires required on most highways Oct 1 - Mar 31
Chains may be required in extreme conditions
Signs will indicate requirements

Other Provinces

Not legally required but highly recommended
Insurance may require them for coverage
Rental cars should include them

General Winter Laws

Must clear snow from entire vehicle (roof too!)
Headlights required in snow/low visibility
Can't leave car running unattended (most provinces)
Studded tires allowed Oct-Apr (varies by province)

Speed Adjustments for Conditions

Road Condition Guidelines

Wet roads: Reduce speed by 10-15 km/h
Packed snow: Reduce speed by 25-35 km/h
Ice: Reduce speed by 40-50 km/h
Poor visibility: Slow enough to stop in visible distance

Remember: Speed limits are for ideal conditions!

Pro Winter Driving Tips

From Experienced Canadian Drivers

"Practice in empty parking lots first. Get a feel for how your car handles in snow before driving in traffic." - Mark, driving instructor

"If in doubt, don't go out. No destination is worth your safety." - Sarah, 10 years winter driving

"Leave early, drive slow, arrive alive. Those extra 10 minutes aren't worth the risk." - James, winter commuter

"Watch what other drivers are doing. If cars are going slow, there's probably ice." - Emma, teen driver

Your First Winter Drive

Start Small

Empty parking lot first
Practice starting, stopping, turning
Try intentional skids (in safe area!)
Learn how your car handles

Progress Gradually

Quiet residential streets
Short familiar routes
Good weather conditions only
Experienced supervisor with you

Know Your Limits

Don't drive if you're not comfortable
No shame in asking someone else to drive
Confidence comes with experience
Safety first, always

When to Just Say No

Don't drive if:

Weather warnings in effect
Roads not yet cleared
You're not confident
Your supervisor is nervous too
Visibility is very poor
Temperature is around 0°C (ice risk high)

Emergency Preparedness

If Stranded

Stay with your vehicle
Call for help
Run engine 10 min/hour for heat
Keep exhaust pipe clear of snow
Crack window for ventilation
Stay visible (hazards on, bright cloth on antenna)

Who to Call

Parents/guardians first
Roadside assistance
Local police (non-emergency)
Tow truck
CAA/AAA if you have it

The Bottom Line

Winter driving might seem scary, but with:

Proper preparation
Smart driving techniques
Respect for conditions
Lots of practice

You'll become a confident winter driver!

Remember: Every Canadian driver had to learn winter driving. You'll get there too! ❄️🚗

Start practicing these skills NOW, before you're in a real situation.