As a beginner, what is the best time to practice driving on the highways? So let’s find out.
The time of the day or night and the road traffic is interrelated. It would help if you considered both before you start practicing to drive. When you are still learning to drive, you want a road with as little traffic as possible. The more distractions there are along the road, the more likely you will be more anxious, confused, and shaky.
There are times of the day when roads are generally busy. You do not want to practice driving in heavy traffic. An overwhelming number of cars can stress you. Again, there are times that the traffic best suit experienced drivers. We are going to look into that.
So, how do you determine the best time to practice driving?
Let’s dig in.
The Best Time to Practice Driving
1. Sunday Afternoons
Many roads tend to be less busy on Sunday afternoons, so this is the time you can schedule your practice. Monitor the Sunday afternoon traffic in your area to ascertain it’s less busy.
2. Sunday Morning
In some areas, Sunday mornings are also the best time for new learners to practice driving because the roads are less busy. Even the highway roads have fewer vehicles compared to other days of the week.
You can concentrate on driving without being distracted by speeding vehicles or pedestrians crossing at every zebra crossing. Your mind is also still fresh.
Again, monitor the Sunday morning traffic in your area to check if it’s indeed ideal for a new driver practicing to drive.
3. Saturday Mornings
Some new drivers have found Saturday mornings around 8 AM to be the suitable time to practice driving, from as early as 5 AM. You are still fresh and clear-headed enough to focus.
Again, monitor the local traffic patterns before following this tip.
4. Summertime
If you plan your driving lessons to coincide with the summer, you can enjoy practicing driving in the summer. Throughout the summer, the roads are dry, and the way ahead is clear. You won’t have to use the lights or wipers.
You also do not have to worry about skidding in the snow. But you better beware of the blindingly bright sun.
Furthermore, heavy traffic is an issue in summer. You see, summer is the nicest weather to be out, so many other drivers are also out driving.
That might be a challenge, but it’s better to face it than practice driving in winter. It’s best to bear in mind that while summer offers excellent visibility conditions, other negative factors come to play.
Summertime is the best time to drive due to excellent visibility and dry roads, as we have seen, but there are double automotive deaths in this period than during any other season.
5. Midnight
If you can afford to be sleepless around midnight and towards 2 AM, you can hit the road at that odd time to practice driving. The roads are totally empty. Most highways are also almost empty between midnight and 2 AM.
However, driving at night should be executed with great caution. Ensure the road you choose is secure enough at these hours.
The number of drunk drivers tends to be high around this time. So, pay attention to the surroundings. You should also drive at night if you are not fatigued, or else you might fall asleep on the wheel.
On the night, you are to drive, sleep for at least 7 hours in the daytime so that you don’t become drowsy too soon. Again, do not drink alcohol. Drowsiness, inexperience, and alcohol are the perfect recipe for road accidents.
When Is The Wrong Time To Practice Driving?
Avoid rush hour traffic, which is at its peak in the week-day mornings and evenings. Avoid especially the highways around these days if you are still a new driver.
You should also avoid practicing driving on a holiday because the roads are busier than usual. It is the best time for experienced drivers, not learners.
What Time of the Day Are Roads Least Busy?
Most roads are less busy early in the morning, up to 7 AM, and the hours before 5 PM. These hours are less busy because workers have not hit the road to either rush to work or back home.
What Are Three Dangerous Times To Be Driving?
The following are the three dangerous times to be driving:
It is dangerous to drive on holidays in the U.S., especially on July 4th, though other holidays such as Labor Day are as dangerous. The roads are congested because friends and families travel to attend parties and celebrate in various locations. Some of these people are drunk and reckless. Others are sober but frustrated by the heavy traffic
1. Holidays
Thanksgiving weekend is also a dangerous time to drive for the same reasons.
Road accidents usually soar during the Christmas period, so this is one other wrong time to be driving.
2. Winter
Winter is the season you should avoid driving if possible. There are snowstorms, the visibility is poor, and the roads are wet, meaning more accidents are likely to happen.
3. The Evening Rush Hour
The rush hour between 5 PM-7 PM is one of the most dangerous times to drive. This applies to weekends.
The drivers themselves are tired, having worked all day. Rush hour causes aggression and frustration among drivers. They are in a hurry to get home sooner enough and are likely to overlook some critical traffic rules, resulting in accidents.
What Time is There the Least Traffic?
The least traffic is towards and closely past midnight; most people are asleep, so only a few people are on the road. But, as we have pointed out, it is also the time you are likely to drive amongst drunk drivers, so watch your back…as much as your front.
What Is The Best Day Of The Week To Drive?
The best day of the week to drive is Tuesday because there is the least number of accident cases.
What Are the Most Challenging Driving Times?
The most hazardous time to be behind the wheel is between 8 p.m. and 12 a.m. in the spring and summer, and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the fall and winter seasons. This is because driving at night presents various difficulties, such as reduced visibility and the natural fatigue that comes towards the end of the day.
How Many Practice Hours Are Recommended for Driving?
Safety experts generally advise accumulating a minimum of 120 hours of driving practice. While this may seem like a significant amount, it is attainable with consistent effort. Most young drivers have their license for at least a year, and practicing for 2-3 hours per week is an achievable goal.
Which Are the Safest Driving Times?
Typically, mornings and afternoons are considered safer for driving, but there are exceptions to this rule. The presence of rush hour traffic, which usually spans from 8 AM to 10 AM in the morning and then again from 4 PM to 7 PM in the evening, also affects safety. With an increased number of vehicles during these peak times, the roads become more perilous.
Is Driving More Challenging at Night?
Driving at night can pose greater risks compared to daytime driving due to heightened road hazards and potential vision impairment in darker conditions. These factors affect drivers worldwide.
Wrap Up
There is no time of night or day you would say the road is 100% safe for practice driving. Do not choose one of the suggested times and days here and forget to observe the traffic. Be on your guard all the time.
You can practice to drive alone or with a relative. But it’s recommended that you seek help from a professional instructor.
At Pierre Paul Driving School, we not only offer driving lessons, but we also have experienced instructors to teach you practical driving skills. Check our packages here.